Peace out, 30s.
- Randy Stein
- Jul 23, 2019
- 2 min read
40...
Wow. That happened a lot quicker than I thought it would. Just yesterday, I was listening to my cassette tape of Ice Ice Baby and rapping along to every word on the mean streets of Kaneohe, HI.
So far, I have spent the whole month a bit depressed. I have spent everyday raging against the dying light as the sun began to set on my 30s.
Holy shit, they went fast. Life, in general, is kind a blur so far to this point. It's been really difficult for me to find the right mindset so far this month, until today. I have been thinking, "man, I should have quit radio a lot sooner." I should have done this. I should have done that.
Nope. I shouldn't have. Everything needed to happen exactly as it did for me to be here today and its important for me to realize that.
...and where am I today? I am 39 years, 364 days old. I am a lucky husband to a beautiful, incredible woman, the best dad I know how to be to 3 amazing kids, the best friend to a great dane that resembles a donkey, and i'm an airline pilot.
I spent most of my 30s trying to get to this point and it was blood, sweat, and tears to get here.
This morning, I went to San Francisco, bought a coffee and flew back before lunch. I NEVER, in a million years thought I would ever be able to say that. Earlier in my 30s, I was defeated. I had given up on ever being happy. I had resigned to the idea that happiness was only available to the lucky and I was just not one of THOSE people.
When i'm in the flight deck and we push the thrust levers forward and blast off in to the sky, it sets my soul on fire!! I get this rush of happiness that is unexplainable.
Up until today, I was so apprehensive about 40 but I think I'm ready (It doesn't matter if I'm not). I'm ready to take on the challenges of the future. I'm ready to strive everyday to be a better person, better dad, better husband, better pilot, and do everything within my power to make this world a better place.
I don't even know how to explain the amount of gratitude in my heart today. I am truly a lucky man.
30s, you're on the bench.
40s, suit up. You're on deck. Let's do this.
I think that sounds about right!
I think you will find that you don't really come into your own until you are in your 40s. You are still young enough to do what you want and confident enough not to worry about what others think or expect. Sounds like you have your priorities straight so roll on some throttle and enjoy your 40s.