Does Life Begin at 40?

Only six more months to go until the big 40. I have heard it all before, life begins at 40, 40 is the new 30, men handle 40 better than women, blah blah blah. I remember when my mom was in her 40's and let me tell you, she was old. Or was she? Looking back, perhaps I perceived her as old because she was a parent to four children and had a reputation as the adult to uphold.

Forty is quickly approaching and there are more days than less that I feel I am still in my 20's. I don't mean partying and hooking up- that ended a while ago (although put me in a room with a keg and watch me not shy away). Perhaps it's the attitude. Yes, maybe my attitude has not reached the maturity level of a 40 year old. But who gets to say how a 40 year old should act? Why can't I set the bar? Be the woman who breaks that glass ceiling or what have you and say, "Look at me, I'm 40 and I still like to nap, throw tantrums, and waste money on manicures". In the end, I try to be the best Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend. Instead of dwelling how one should be perceived at forty-why not just live in the moment and remember to live life to the fullest.