As I'm going through this fourth decade of my life, I have noticed a few changes, a few startling differences. Some of them are comical, and some of them not-so comical.
I thought I'd share some of my thoughts:
1. My tolerance for poor customer service has sharply declined.
I don't know if I just notice it more, if this generation has not been taught HOW to properly give customer service, or if "I'm just getting old and crotchety," but I've got to tell you: I have little patience for poor service.
2. I feel obligated to point out poor customer service.
Tonight, Psalm and I visited Olive Garden (at her request), and within minutes of being seated, I found myself telling the waitress that I needed new menus--the ones I'd been given had pieces of food on them. (And then I wondered: Is this because I'm in my 40's, that I'm noticing this? ...And actually SAYING something about it? Or is it just a serious decline in work ethic and professionalism...and cleanliness?)
3. I can say "No" now.
In the previous decades, I found myself signing up for anything and everything, every opportunity that came my way. Now, I realize I only have so much energy and I must be selective on how I am going to expend that energy. I find myself saying "no" to things I would not have said no to before. For example? Being in plays. Taking on another job--even when it does NOT pay enough. Signing up for added duties. Nope. Not me, not anymore.
4. When people are talking and they annoy me, I feel completely comfortable with exiting the conversation without making some sort of excuse.
Yes, this means that I will turn and walk away from a conversation that I don't enjoy. For whatever reason. I have realized that life is too short. (I should have been doing this years ago. I've finally come to my senses.)
5. Paying more money for moisturizers is totally worth it.
No more junk stuff, no more two dollar moisturizers. This body is in serious need of The Good Stuff. I make no apologies. :)
6. ?
I will leave this list incomplete for now, and update it as other items occur to me.
I will say this, though: This decade of my life has been a real eye-opener. It is very different from the ones that have preceded it!
