As Nancy reflects on turning 40, she shares how she’s embracing this next chapter.
Turning 40 is an age that I have feared for as long as I can remember. In my mind, 40 was the age when I was supposed to have it all together—career, home, motherhood, marriage. It seemed like a milestone where everything should be perfectly aligned, a time when I should have all the answers. However, now that I’ve reached this age, I realize that life is far from a neatly tied package, and that’s perfectly okay.
As a Latina mom with six wonderful children aged 13, 11, 8, 6, 4, and 1.5, I find myself knee-deep in my maternidad. Each day is a new adventure, filled with its own set of challenges and joys. Motherhood is a journey that is constantly evolving, and even with six kids, I haven’t mastered it. In fact, I don’t think we’re ever truly meant to master it, and that’s where the beauty lies.
Por eso soy una madre feliz en mi caos. [That is why I am a mom happy in my chaos.]
In our culture, there is often an unspoken expectation that by a certain age, we should have achieved a level of perfection in various aspects of our lives. We feel pressure to be the perfect mother, wife, and professional, all while maintaining a spotless home. But life has taught me that perfection is an illusion. It’s okay to admit that we’re still figuring things out and that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Also, times have changed, and life is moving at a faster pace than what my abuelita had back in Guatemala over 60 years ago.
At 40, I’m learning to embrace the chaos and imperfections that come with motherhood and life in general.
I’m on a path of self-discovery, working to break generational traumas, and finding a new career path that excites me. I’m also learning to love my body—curvas, celulitis, y todo! My life looks nothing like what my abuelita’s did at 40, and that is okay. My children are happy, and I am evolving alongside the world.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s important to be gentle with ourselves. We are often our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to unrealistic standards. But the truth is, it’s okay to stumble and make mistakes. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.
As I navigate this decade, I’m embracing the fact that life is a journey of continuous growth and discovery. I may not have it all figured out, but I am okay with that. I’m learning to celebrate the small victories, cherish the moments of joy, and appreciate the beauty in imperfection.
For all the Latina moms out there who might feel the same pressure, remember that you are not alone.
It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and know that you are doing an amazing job. Here’s to 40—embracing being una señora de cuatro décadas and the beautiful, messy, unpredictable journey ahead!
[…] a mother of six, I now look back on the start of my mothering journey and reflect on how far I still have to go. I am proud that I have celebrated every small win and […]