Okay, so today is my birthday. My last year in the lovely thirties. I felt like when I turned 30, I really ‘came of age’. Now, looking down the barrel of 40 next year, I still feel like I have so much to learn and experience.

As I turn the page on another year, it’s a good time to reflect and take stock (I tend to do this more on birthdays than New Years!). So, I have a husband who I love more now, than ever, who is (most days!) a pure delight and joy to be with; three children who continue to inspire, challenge and bring me such exquisite joy that sometimes I have to catch my breath; a successful business that (again, most days!) I enjoy being a part of; friends who are worth more than any material possession; and I live in one of the most beautiful, free and giving countries in the world.

It’s been a good decade, generally speaking. There have been the valleys, along with the mountain top views. But I like that. Without the dark days, how would we ever really appreciate the sunshine? I have enjoyed the thirties, finding my voice and figuring out some significant aspects to life and relationships has been wonderful.

I am not particularly daunted by the idea of turning 40 though. I have so much still to do in life that I kind of like the assurance in myself that I think being 40 will bring. Feeling more settled within my own skin and having a firmer grasp on my strengths and weaknesses, will bring, I hope, a productive decade.

I am not in any rush, however, and plan on living it up the best I can while still this side of the half-way mark