47

10 comments on 47
1 minute
47

I turned 47 yesterday.

I’ve loved my 40s. They’ve been the happiest years of my life and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

That’s not to say I’m a happy person. My natural happiness set point is on the low side and I have a melancholic temperament. I tend to experience deeply the things in the present that aren’t as I’d have them. I find joy to be fleeting and often difficult to embrace.

But when I look back, I see the bigger picture: I’ve had a great run in my fifth decade. I’ve achieved emotional health. I’ve done really well in my career. I have developed hobbies that make my heart sing. I have built strong personal relationships, especially with my sons.

And I am optimistic for the future. Sure, I can see how my body is aging and my health is different now. I’m seeing younger people coming up fast in my career – I’m starting to work for people who were in diapers when I entered college. My prime is ending. But I expect to adapt and keep growing in maturity. I expect to find that to be supremely satisfying.


Comments

10 responses to “47”

  1. Christopher Smith Avatar
    Christopher Smith

    Many happy returns for yesterday and hope you had a great birthday and find joy in your life more often.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thank you, Christopher!

  2. pesoto74 Avatar

    Happy belated birthday. I do think sometimes that it would be nice if our bodies could get younger as we mature emotionally.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Wouldn’t that be nice!

  3. hmunro Avatar
    hmunro

    Beautifully said, Jim. Happy birthday, and may the decade ahead be your happiest, most productive, and most fulfilling yet.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks Heather! It’s definitely on track.

  4. bodegabayf2 Avatar

    Happy Days Jim!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Appreciate it John!

  5. Steve Miller Avatar
    Steve Miller

    Happy belated birthday, neighbor.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

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