When I was younger, 40 seemed like such a huge milestone.
By 40, I thought I'd feel dignified, experienced, and wise.

At the very least, I thought,
I’d have figured it out better than I do.

Somehow, back then, I imagined by 40
I would have learned from my mistakes, found peace within,
maybe even made something of myself—
something beyond more dishes, more mopping,
more cleaning up other people’s messes.

Turns out, 40 is just another number,
a level up in life that not everyone is grateful to reach.
I may not be...