I am finally turning 40.

I am pumped.

Ecstatic.

Thrilled.

A birthday that is typically bathed in “over the hill” banners and party-goers in white wigs and canes is going to be the BEST DAY EVER.

I have deemed the year I turn 40 my year of the brave. I refuse to be depressed or anxious about getting older.

I choose joy. I choose to embrace my 40-ness.

Several years ago I decided – I made the choice – that I would love every year I got older.

So that’s what I’ve done. I have absolutely no fear about turning forty.

And I have been slowly working through a list of 40 things I’m doing during this NO FEAR FORTY year! I left anonymous notes in library books, rode 500 miles across Iowa on my bike, made a beautiful snow angel in shorts and a t-shirt, and more!

Although I’ve given myself until December 31 to complete these forty feats, I’m amping up the two weeks until my birthday and attempting ONE item from my list each day until November 6…the day my 40-ness becomes actual awesome-ness.

Today is the best day ever – because if today were my last day, I would want it to be my best day. So I REFUSE to allow age to keep me from loving life, living large, and laughing loud. It’s all a choice.

And I choose to run recklessly into 40 with my arms wide open.

So, whether you’re fourteen or forty, why don’t you join me? Make your list. Do all the things (both crazy and completely serious) you’ve wanted to do. Don’t wait. Embrace every year you get to live this grand “best day ever” adventure.

Want some more inspiration? Check out this other adventurer who embraced his last days as the best days ever:

Follow my blog and receive updates to your e-mail inbox! Receive my posts before anyone else! I want you to be my e-mail friend!