Forty

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Despite its strong Judeo-Christian overtones many years ago at the tender age of 16, I decided that U2's 40 would be my song when I reached that age. So here I am; forty years old. It ain't so bad; the day was like any other although I must admit, I think my chance to be a champion athlete has passed :-)

Is there supposed to be a radical moment of self-reflection of one's achievements at this stage, representing the nominal half-way point in one's life, or the time it takes a generation to arise? Muhammed received his first angelic revelation at 40.. how about that for dealing with a mid-life crisis?

If I am to do so, I feel a great sense of good fortune. Despite my social background, I've managed to drag myself to a comfortable financial situation, and yet I feel strongly for those who have not had the opportunity or circumstances to improve their lot. I can look back in past and present careers; education advocate and researcher, political advisor, computer systems trainer, systems administrator - with modest degree of satisfaction with the actions and results.

I have been blessed with a modicum of good looks (or so I've been told) and a gregarious personality, which has meant good fortune in love. Indeed, I have been much blessed by past and present partners and from each and every one of them I have learned valuable, positive lessons of life and relationships.

At forty I can feel relaxed, comfortable and satisfied. Yet there is still a buring fire within that wants to take back the future, to remake the world and that project still has another two score to run - at the very least.

Comments

[mia76.livejournal.com]

Wow, I suppose this is a birthday entry? Happy birthday, then.

PS: If Muhammad got his revelation earlier than that, he probably wouldn't have handled it very well. I mean he's supposed to be an extraordinary man anyway, but you need a lot of maturity and would have to have seen a lot in life before you become a prophet. Just a thought.

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Oh, you know... Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment at 35, and of course Jesus had done everything by then.. But yeah, it would have been interesting to consider archangels dropping in to visit someone barely in their teens.