Today is my partner in life, business, and all things food – Chef James’ – 40th birthday! It’s a biggie. Here he gets naked with us and reveals how he really feels about this milestone, along with the five things he’s taking into this next year.
Written by Chef James Barry
Today is my 40th birthday and I’m not looking forward to it. In fact I feel somewhat depressed about it. I know, I know…everyone says forty is the new thirty, but I’m not feeling it at this moment.
Things I’ve heard about turning 40:
- You feel the pains of aging more. (I’m definitely finding this to be true.)
- Weight doesn’t come off as easily. (Yep)
- The years go faster. (Yep)
- It’s downhill from here. (I hope not!)
- You care less about what people think. (Yeah, but that was true in my 30s)
Since perspective is everything, I thought I’d break out of these depressed thoughts by sharing the 5 things I’ve learned in my first forty years that will make the next chapter in my life that much better.
1. Move thy body.
Doesn’t matter how: exercise, walking, dancing, hiking…whatever fits, just do it. Movement is my friend and that is the mantra that I’m repeating to myself as I step into 2014.
2. Smile more. Laugh often.
I’m not sure when I got so serious, but I definitely don’t laugh and smile the way I used to. Smiling not only brightens my day, but it’s infectious and influences those around me.
3. De-stress.
Stress is that monkey on my shoulder that follows me everywhere I go. The less I sweat the small stuff, the better off I am (and if studies are correct, the longer I’ll live, too!)
4. Listen more, talk less.
This is a tough one, but man is it powerful.
5. Connect with other living creatures
From nature, animals to other humans, I believe this is why we are on this planet.
