What I like about my 40’s is I’ve figured out what I like and don’t like.

I unapologetically spend my time the way I want to.  I’ve shed the restraints of others’ expectations.

Because I feel the limits of my energy, I don’t waste my time.

I’ve stepped away from unworthy people. My circle is smaller but, oh, so much better.

On a cloud of gratitude and hard-earned perspective, I float above the trivial.

In my 40’s, I’ve learned that by living for myself—by making my welfare the priority—I can patiently and lovingly show up for others.  

Now I understand, mothering does not have to be an all-consuming martyrdom.

Now I know I cannot fix anyone but myself. Gone is the  weight of other peoples’ issues, shrugged off my shoulders like a heavy winter coat on a warm Spring day.

I am free of the stress caused by the illusion of being in control.  

In my 40’s, I slow down more often. I relish simple pleasures like a nap, a good sale, a bite of a friend’s dessert.

I notice more—the  birds, the changing colors in the sky, the sparkling sound of a loved one’s laughter.

I’m comfortable in my 40’s.

I feel I have arrived.

I feel peace.

I see more beauty than ever before
in this world and myself.  

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.

I once was a child
Walking next to seemingly endless brick walls
Running my tender fingertips against the rough edges of the blocks
Slapping my tender feet against the hard sidewalk
Discovering a surprise
Threads of green with yellow stars on top
I once was a child
Who thought those weeds were the most beautiful flower I’d ever seen

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.

On a sailboat
On Lake Superior
This shimmering body of water and I
are separated only
by a thin layer of sunblock,
a pair of shades

On a sailboat
On Lake Superior
Moments move as slowly
as the low breeze nudging the sail
I know not the year
or state I’m in out here
I know only
that I am the water
and the water is me

To Do Lists of life on land
cannot find me
sheltered here
by waves
Cradled here by currents
older than any human care
I am free as I float
Agendas, ambitions, anxieties—all inferior
On this sailboat
On sacred Lake Superior

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.

Like soldiers of comically varying heights
I line up my pill bottles along the border
  of my place mat for morning roll call
Some plastic, some glass—
  Green, white, purple, yellow, gold
Each with their own earnest promise—
Energy, metabolism, muscle function,
  allergy relief
And I earnestly swallow each down
Willing each to complete their mission
To find success in the battle against time
Willing them to bring new life
  to this tired body of mine

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.

I’ll cry tomorrow
Today I have things to get done
Too many errands to run
Tears can’t unload this washing machine
Regret won’t make a house clean
Self-pity doesn’t get the kids fed
Falling apart won’t get them to bed
If you have something to say
Just please hold off for today
I have too much to do
To spend time worrying about you
So if it’s my heart you plan to break
Break it tomorrow
Not now, not today
I’ll cry tomorrow

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.

I wear my past like a cape
Superman’s got nothing on me
now that I’m free

All I’ve overcome
widens my stance
straightens my shoulders
I didn’t die
so I raise my chin up high

Shame, regrets, fear
in bullet-shape
bounce right off
my bullet-proof drape

Finally, I truly mean it
when I say, ‘I’m fine’
for I wear it like a cape,
this past of mine

© 2025 SincerelyJoanWrites. All rights reserved.