I'm 40 now. How's life going, you ask? It's intense. Especially my work life—it's really busy. There are days I even forget to drink water. I mentioned this earlier in the book too: my current job is demanding. But work always has a way of grounding you. There's not much time left for overthinking.
My colleagues and I get along okay—just enough to keep things moving. I live a calm life. In fact, with all the experiences I've gathered, I now find myself guiding others. My life is, honestly, incredibly ordinary. That fast-paced energy of youth has completely settled down.
Relationships with the older generation in the family are neutral now. Everyone has started to accept things as they are. I've had a lot of support through this phase. I went through a very difficult divorce—saying that with full honesty. During that time, my friends became my family. If you have even a couple of true friends around you, consider yourself lucky. I sure do.
Sometimes I sit with my child at a café, and we have moments where I say, "Wow, what a day." We have so much fun. On the days my child stays with their father, I take time for myself. I clean the house, iron, do the weekly grocery shopping, and plan things ahead. I don't report to anyone anymore. I just answer to myself. "I wanted it, so I did it."
I call up old friends whenever I get the chance. We laugh endlessly on the phone. These days, I see life with more lightness, more humor. I feel playful and warm again—just like I was in my twenties. Even my tired face feels more alive. I'm starting to take better care of myself. I feel like I've regained my soul.
Sometimes I browse for courses, see if anything useful pops up. But don't worry—I've wised up now, haha. I walk around with strong masculine energy and a clear head. Life here starts early. I wake before the sun, before the day even begins. I get myself ready, then wake my child and get them ready for school. We walk there together.
By this time next year, I hope to have a car. It's something I really need now. Being on your own without one isn't easy. My plans for the future are focused and determined. Every step I take now—I take for me.