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Transformation! WOW! It can mean so many things throughout a woman’s life! I know it has in mine. I turned 40 4 days shy of 6 months ago. I always reflect on my life and look for ways on how I can improve every single year when my birthday rolls around BUT turning 40 was so different.

Turning 40 was a complete and total celebration of LIFE!

I wanted to talk about, discuss and shine a high beam headlight on what society tells women they should have by 40 years old versus things I think are successes at 40! By 40, society says women should have the six figure job, house, husband, babies and money. Those things are fine and I want those things at some point too, but they do not equate success by my standards at all.

Spirituality/God: Me, I measure success by what God’s plan looks like for my life. The experiences I’ve had starting from 20 years old have pushed me to pursue a relationship with God. This is and ALWAYS will be the most important relationship in my life. It is very strong. The pursuit has been relentless. Although a relationship with God is a lifelong pursuit, it’s one that has heavily impacted my choices and my views on what I need to be doing with my life. That relationship is one that I am very proud of.

Health: My health means so much to me! I had COVID 19 back in January 2021. I was sick for 2 weeks. I had a really deep cough as well as a runny, stuffy nose. It was really awful and I don’t ever want to go through that again. My life will NEVER be the same! It just won’t. As soon as the vaccine was available in my area, I got it! I think that was in late April. I vowed to exercise and take care of myself better if I was blessed to survive COVID. So many people did not. I’ve always been very healthy and active. And still am! Living through this pandemic has put my Health in perspective and has shown me it can be snatched at any moment.

Freedom/Independence: I pride myself on the fact that I have always given myself room to grow and be free. Life has afforded me that luxury. Women all over the globe are beating themselves up for not getting married and having kids by a certain age. I haven’t always looked at the glass as half full either.  But I have been able to travel a lot during my single life. I’ve been to almost 30 states! I’m so proud of that. I’ve had a 15+ year career in education! I’ve met lots of different  kinds of people and have lived in 7 different states and countries! I have LIVED a full life you guys!

Strong Family/Friends: I have been blessed with 4 sisters and a very strong Mama so connecting with other women outside of my family has not always been the easiest for me. But I find the older I get I have been able to make some meaningful relationships with a few women outside of my family. I am so thankful to have people in my life that will truly be there for me!

Operating In My Gift: As a woman, I feel life having freedom from what society says we should have and at what age has allowed me to explore what I’m truly good at and how I can make an impact and change lives in those spaces! I studied English at The University of Virginia and have found that that was one of the BEST decisions I have ever made! Writing is my AIR! I WILL make a career out of this someday one way or another! Life is so much more meaningful when you are operating in your gift! I am SO happy with the life God has cultivated for me! I feel extremely blessed and honored to have been chosen for this!! Has it been easy getting here?..not at all! It’s been very painful at times! But I’ve been brave when I wanted to shrink back in fear and I’ve persevered and I’m so glad I did!! The level of gratitude I have for God is SO big.

I would love to get married to my best friend and be an older Mom. I have lots of wisdom to offer a man and a growing family. I believe that I’ve been wired for marriage and motherhood. I watched my parents grow, build and raise 7 kids together! I helped raise my two little sisters. Society tells us we don’t need a man and do not need to be submissive. I want a man to lead me and our family! I want to make important decisions together. That is the way that God designed it to be. Cannot wait to see what my future holds!!