Resolution of the Future – This Is 40

Part 3 (of 3) of my New Year’s Resolution is about turning 40 in 2020* and how I’m preparing for it. 

When I turned 30 in 2010**, I rented out a theatre at the local Dollar Cinema for a showing of 1986’s GI Joe animated movie. It was my way of saying “I am still in touch with my youth and in a financial position where I can afford to treat myself.” It was fun. But as I settled into 30, everything they say about your 30s, I felt. Slower, weaker, more tired, less flexible. Kids today didn’t get my GI Joe references. 

That was 30. This is 40. 

In case age milestones aren’t arbitrary and there is some underlying energy the universe gives you in your 20s and takes in greater supply in 10 year intervals***, I am preparing for my 40s while I still have that big 30s energy. 

40 Like I’m 60

I hear a lot of 40 year olds say they wasted their 20s and look at them now. LOOK AT THEM. So, instead of being a 40 year old looking back on my 20s, I will be a 40 year old looking towards my 60s.

I am following my nutritionist’s advice.  I am hitting the gym pretty regularly. I started flossing again. If I ever feel too lazy to do something physical, that’s all the more reason to do it. You don’t get less lazy by being lazy. Lounging is just settling into a coffin position early! 

40 Like I’m 20

GI Joe may be an underappreciated cultural phenomenon (GI Joe – Snake Eyes coming to theatres this October!), but that doesn’t mean it is the last culture I touch on. I aim to keep up with popular culture trends, shows, music. 2019 saw an end of  the MCU and Star Wars as we knew it, as well as the end of Game of Thrones and the careers of Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The culture that defined my 30s conveniently wrapped up with my 30s, and I want to make sure I remain aware of what’s coming next, and give it a fair shake. 

40 Like I’m 40

The mystical energies of the universe aside****, I want to come to terms with being in my 40s. I can’t take for granted that I have friendships and interests that are old enough to drink in the States. I have wisdom built on experience. I’m not about to point a crooked finger at a 20 year old and threaten them with a “you don’t know!*****”, but I have insight that I can impart if asked. 

Happy 2020! The first year in a long time that I’m already used to writing when I fill out dates. 

*Still think there’s something there.
**And yet I don’t think there’s anything there…
***You don’t know!
****YOU DON’T KNOW!
*****Well there goes that resolution