I turn 50 this year, which is hitting me more than when I turned 40. Something I’ve been thinking about is how strange it is that a brief span of years from the end of high school to the start of my first professional job stands out in technicolor relief compared to the years following. I don’t think it’s the density or quality of the experiences, but more the novelty of everything. A promotion to a new role at work is less of a change than that first step from student to a professional. The first big trip on your own has got a bigger resonance than trips you make all the time. Get older, and there’s fewer of those “firsts” to accumulate and we normalize what we’ve gained. One of the fantastic parts of being a parent is vicariously enjoying those milestones again as your watch your kids grow up.
Forty is past. Remember "Ruts deepen into groves" I am 77 in a few days, but my mind is 40 and going strong. The key is "Don't let the old man in"! We look forward to your daily show on 167 and agree with most of watch you say. Your interviews are fair, concise, and to the point. You, I and millions more of us have to get busy this year to get rid of Trudeau. I barely survived P. E. Trudeau and I plan on working hard to save Canada for my kids(All in their 40'S) and my grandkids. Take a big breath and lets get to work!
As someone about to enter the second half of my septigenarian decade, I hadn't known that 40 was the marker for impending old age, and a good thing too!! When I think of all those " decadal" birthdays I must say none of them caused me to think of it as any more significant than the previous one.
You did hit the high notes,though; family, friends, health, work. The human experience is to excell at these and good things will be the result.
The one thing I did about 25 years ago was to slow my life down as much as possible. Being in a hurry makes time go faster and I still have things to do. Barring an act of God or a wayward bus, I hope to complete my bucket list.
Nice reflective moment. Mine came with cancer in my early 50s, prompting similar reflections on gratitude, whether it be the loved ones in my life or simply being with nature. And given my earlier diagnosis, didn't know what the future would bring. But so far so good, and appreciate each day and that I can continue to contribute.
Matt, I started a charity at 64 and, in the 14 years since, I’ve helped over 1,000 students living in very difficult financial circumstances to stay in school and to graduate. I thank God every day for this blessing among so many others. My favourite saying is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Kindness is what will save this screwed-up world.
OMG. I read the literature on stages of adulthood in my 30's. now call them the forgotten years - a blur of moving car seats and... As described in most of the literature, my 40's were productive. At 47, a new life and many gifts. I was grateful. 50's I lived off my forties and now 63... my final pivot. Amazing opportunities ahead. The beauty of your work Matt touches us all. You and Jen and team are doing incredible work. You are leading, you are giving and you are seeing success. Most touching in this article is your gratitude. Keep up the great work and keep encouraging your peers to stick to it. You are rethinking meaningful journalism and our democracy needs you all. Best wishes for the new year. A big fan.
Nicely stated, Matt. I’m not a huge fan, but it sounds as if your annus horribilis contributed to what came across as an ungenerous, ‘glass half empty’ perspective. THIS Matt I can hear, and can also reassure that life is so far from over at 40; in fact, in some respects it’s just starting: I’ve had 3 different careers since then, sung in an opera, formed and performed with a band, had granddaughters, and in retirement continue to entertain seniors, travel, enjoy supportive social circles, and generally have never felt more content. Fill up that glass! It’s not a tire fire, it’s the usual messiness of human life. Have hope - and GIVE hope: You are in a position to do that.
Perspective accounts for a lot. You found it as we all do given the time. Loss clarifies gratitude as does life threatening personal illness. ( I don’t recommend either but these are not things we get to choose). I learned in my 40s to live in the moment ( despite a demanding career and three young boys, husband , dog) and to take time each day to reflect and take care of myself. I actively try to focus on not taking anything in my daily life for granted. I’m not always successful but the attempt made me happier and more fun. My late mother said your 40’s are the best decade. You’ve got some experience of life, you know yourself, you’ll never have more confidence or look better so get out, put on a smile and have a good time. Solid.
Great writing. I love that you have realized that 40 is NOT to late for anything! I didn't realize that until late into my 50's. So I was 58 when I went back to school. Don't let yourself attach an age limit to any part of your life - continue to live big!
Good reflective piece. I am the same age as Geddy and Alex and they are great examples of what it is to be older. It is not necessarily all bad.Lots of life left - look at Mick and Keith and Paul - all in their 80s and going strong.
The concept of the "U-shaped curve" in life's happiness trajectory is somewhat disputed (eg see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7529452/) but certainly 50 brings some personal contentment and self-knowledge to many of us. Your emphasis on solid relationships will serve you well in the future - good luck in your 42nd year on earth!
I turn 50 this year, which is hitting me more than when I turned 40. Something I’ve been thinking about is how strange it is that a brief span of years from the end of high school to the start of my first professional job stands out in technicolor relief compared to the years following. I don’t think it’s the density or quality of the experiences, but more the novelty of everything. A promotion to a new role at work is less of a change than that first step from student to a professional. The first big trip on your own has got a bigger resonance than trips you make all the time. Get older, and there’s fewer of those “firsts” to accumulate and we normalize what we’ve gained. One of the fantastic parts of being a parent is vicariously enjoying those milestones again as your watch your kids grow up.
Forty, eh.
Punk kid ...
Forty is past. Remember "Ruts deepen into groves" I am 77 in a few days, but my mind is 40 and going strong. The key is "Don't let the old man in"! We look forward to your daily show on 167 and agree with most of watch you say. Your interviews are fair, concise, and to the point. You, I and millions more of us have to get busy this year to get rid of Trudeau. I barely survived P. E. Trudeau and I plan on working hard to save Canada for my kids(All in their 40'S) and my grandkids. Take a big breath and lets get to work!
As someone about to enter the second half of my septigenarian decade, I hadn't known that 40 was the marker for impending old age, and a good thing too!! When I think of all those " decadal" birthdays I must say none of them caused me to think of it as any more significant than the previous one.
You did hit the high notes,though; family, friends, health, work. The human experience is to excell at these and good things will be the result.
The one thing I did about 25 years ago was to slow my life down as much as possible. Being in a hurry makes time go faster and I still have things to do. Barring an act of God or a wayward bus, I hope to complete my bucket list.
Lovely column. But Matt, be a little easier on yourself in 2024. We all hope you have a long journey ahead. Keep up the good fight.
Nice reflective moment. Mine came with cancer in my early 50s, prompting similar reflections on gratitude, whether it be the loved ones in my life or simply being with nature. And given my earlier diagnosis, didn't know what the future would bring. But so far so good, and appreciate each day and that I can continue to contribute.
Matt, I started a charity at 64 and, in the 14 years since, I’ve helped over 1,000 students living in very difficult financial circumstances to stay in school and to graduate. I thank God every day for this blessing among so many others. My favourite saying is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Kindness is what will save this screwed-up world.
Happy New Year, Matt. Also, pending Happy 41st birthday.
Counting your many blessings is a sign of wisdom and humility.
Good on ya.
Thanks for writing this, and for all your columns and commentaries, past, present, and many, many more into the future.
Cheers.
OMG. I read the literature on stages of adulthood in my 30's. now call them the forgotten years - a blur of moving car seats and... As described in most of the literature, my 40's were productive. At 47, a new life and many gifts. I was grateful. 50's I lived off my forties and now 63... my final pivot. Amazing opportunities ahead. The beauty of your work Matt touches us all. You and Jen and team are doing incredible work. You are leading, you are giving and you are seeing success. Most touching in this article is your gratitude. Keep up the great work and keep encouraging your peers to stick to it. You are rethinking meaningful journalism and our democracy needs you all. Best wishes for the new year. A big fan.
This is the best article I've read in a long time. Perspective is a very valuable asset.
Excellent piece.
Nicely stated, Matt. I’m not a huge fan, but it sounds as if your annus horribilis contributed to what came across as an ungenerous, ‘glass half empty’ perspective. THIS Matt I can hear, and can also reassure that life is so far from over at 40; in fact, in some respects it’s just starting: I’ve had 3 different careers since then, sung in an opera, formed and performed with a band, had granddaughters, and in retirement continue to entertain seniors, travel, enjoy supportive social circles, and generally have never felt more content. Fill up that glass! It’s not a tire fire, it’s the usual messiness of human life. Have hope - and GIVE hope: You are in a position to do that.
Perspective accounts for a lot. You found it as we all do given the time. Loss clarifies gratitude as does life threatening personal illness. ( I don’t recommend either but these are not things we get to choose). I learned in my 40s to live in the moment ( despite a demanding career and three young boys, husband , dog) and to take time each day to reflect and take care of myself. I actively try to focus on not taking anything in my daily life for granted. I’m not always successful but the attempt made me happier and more fun. My late mother said your 40’s are the best decade. You’ve got some experience of life, you know yourself, you’ll never have more confidence or look better so get out, put on a smile and have a good time. Solid.
There’s joy to be found even in the struggle.
Here’s to 2024. And thank you for The Line.
Great writing. I love that you have realized that 40 is NOT to late for anything! I didn't realize that until late into my 50's. So I was 58 when I went back to school. Don't let yourself attach an age limit to any part of your life - continue to live big!
Good reflective piece. I am the same age as Geddy and Alex and they are great examples of what it is to be older. It is not necessarily all bad.Lots of life left - look at Mick and Keith and Paul - all in their 80s and going strong.
The concept of the "U-shaped curve" in life's happiness trajectory is somewhat disputed (eg see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7529452/) but certainly 50 brings some personal contentment and self-knowledge to many of us. Your emphasis on solid relationships will serve you well in the future - good luck in your 42nd year on earth!