Ok, after a few comments and emails, I went and looked up the definition of “middle-aged”. I guess, according to the dictionary, I’m wrong. It says…
“middle age-
the period between early adulthood and old age, usually considered as the years from about 45-65.”
I always thought middle-aged was the 30s-40s. 20s (now don’t be offended, I’m only a very few years removed from this, and I have many friends still in their 20s that I don’t view this way) are punk kids. And for those that aren’t, the 20s are difficult, struggling years. 50s are the beginnings of maturity. 30s-40s are in between those two stages, thus, middle-aged in my opinion.
This doesn’t mean that 50s are old. I have friends in their 50s that I don’t see as old. My mom and my in-laws aren’t old, but they don’t really seem middle-aged, either. They’re mature. Experienced. Over half way through with their life. (And thereby, past “middle”).
I’m 32. I have 4 kids and a mortgage. Out of necessity, I drive a big car with lots of seatbelts. While not a soccer mom, I’m a softball and a volleyball mom. I buy fine art.
High school students think I’m old.
I’m past the start-up phase of my life and family. I’m middle-aged.
I admit that I’m still a bit of a young pup, I may yet birth another baby or two, and I have a lot of experience to gain and life to live. I am in no way saying that I have all the answers or that I’ve reached a pinnacle. I am not claiming the wisdom of age, or anything like that. Merely that I belong to the classification. And to be honest, I’m all for it. Bring it on. Age doesn’t scare me. I don’t shy from it. My youth was in no way the highlight of my life. I didn’t particularly enjoy it. For as long as I can remember, (5th grade to be specific), I’ve wanted to be where I am now. And in my 20s, I looked at my in-laws and wanted to be where they are, not realizing what was right around the corner.
To be honest, it’s probably just an extension of my control issues. I like to be in control of my life. I will never be in complete control, because ultimately, God is. But there is a freedom in this stage of life that can’t be had earlier.
And I love it.
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:45 am
So personally, I don’t think of you as middle-aged, and not just because you’re only four (right?) years older than me.
That said, I totally think of myself as a punk kid. =)
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:54 am
Well, according to the dictionary, I’m not. So, what stage comes after 20s but before 45?
And you are a punk kid! Which is about the MOST ridiculous statement I can imagine. You’re the most grown up 20-something I know.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:46 am
This made me laugh…when I read your post yesterday I was a little dumbstruck that you thought 32 was middle-aged. I couldn’t figure out what I was then, since I’m quite a few years older than you and I’m still not middle-aged!
October 23rd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
We are what we believe we are. I, for one, will NEVER be middle-aged because the term just holds too many nasty connotations for me. However, I might be inclined to grab hold of the title if it means I get to buy fine art!
October 30th, 2007 at 5:45 am
Grin…well said. I have to admit that I’m in better shape at turning 40 than I was mid-childbearing years at thirty and at this age I feel a little more wise but…I look older for sure. It’s sort of lil’punkin mama instead of punk kid?