I turned 40 this month, and I am happy.

About 6 months leading up to my big day I received many questions on how I was “feeling” about turning 40.

For months I racked my brain, and honestly worried that I was missing something.

Was 40 going to be bad?

Was it some life changing experience that I needed to be prepared for?

Was I going to be like Cinderella and turn to a pumpkin at midnight on the day of my birth?

I did not turn to a pumpkin.

Instead, I was ushered into this new decade surrounded with overwhelming love and joy.

My husband and mom pulled off an epic surprise and brought my three best friends and one of our oldest sons to celebrate.

Each of my friends are from different decades of life. Having them there celebrating this new decade alongside my family really brought everything full circle. 

Each phase of life offers something new.

Time to reflect on the past, build on what went great, and change what did not. It’s about opening new doors and embracing whatever is coming next.

I feel like entering my 4th decade I have a lot of life knowledge.

There have been great memories, there has been pain, but most of all there has been happiness and love. 

Growing older should not be something frowned upon or looked at as a negative thing.

Think of all the amazing stories we can share, the experience to help guide others, and the knowledge of just how precious each moment of life is. 

I once had a friend who told me that her 40’s were the best years of her life. We lost touch, but I wonder if she now thinks her 50’s are the best years?  

Either way, 40 here I am…

I look forward to this new era, everything it has in store, and mostly to continue growing with the friends and family that I love and have been with me every step of the way. 

Editor’s note: We would like to wish Rebecca Dills a happy and healthy 40th birthday and we promise, the best is yet to come!