When I turned 40, something shifted, probably the thought that I could rationalize myself as "still in my 30s", as though the difference between 30 and 39 were no big thing. I've long since passed my parents' ages when they had me. My brother is 10 years younger than me, and I've almost passed their ages for him as well.
41 is absolutely and undeniably middle age, and as I reconnect with old friends, it's obvious that some of us are in better health than others, that some of us, namely me, have had a pretty easy go. My back isn't great, but my issues are just muscular, not disc-related. I have friends who can barely walk. Who are, younger than me, forced to use a scooter. To give up on things they want to do but can't because they're simply too painful now.
May I remember that the next time I'm in my cups, when I'm pouring myself a second whisky, looking out the window at the exact same sky as yesterday. winter, you moper, the only thing stopping you is you.