40 is an interesting age. As with any milestone, I suppose it’s natural to step back and evaluate where you are in life. If you were still doing the same things and living the same way at 50 or 60, would you have regrets?
I’ve started realizing that, while I still have plenty of time left (God willing), there are certain things that just won’t make sense if I wait much longer. For example – where I live. We’ve seriously questioned if we should move back to the land of palm trees and pelicans, or just stay put until the kids are out of school. That’s another 12 years — ouch! But in the end, we decided to stay and not uproot the kids anymore. (Of course, give me a couple of margaritas and I might change my mind.)
I know others of the same age that are struggling with even bigger questions. Should they stay married? Have another child? Adopt as a single woman? Go back to college? I guess the bigger question is — what do you want the second half of your life to look like?
One I’ve really struggled with, probably since I turned 30, is my career. Is what I’m doing now what I want to be doing in 5, 10, or 20 years? Absolutely not! Been there, done that, got the medal, need to move on. I love my side business a lot, and it just may fund my retirement, but I also have a deep desire to create.
That’s what has really been missing from every job I’ve ever had. I am compelled to create something beautiful and enjoyable, something that makes people happy, a sense of place that leaves me excited to return. I have always wanted some type of storefront — a children’s boutique, sandwich shop, bakery. A place I can decorate all cute, chat with my favorite customers, and create something tasty and beautiful.
Albert Einstein is reported to have said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. 
If that’s true, then I have been certifiably insane for at least two years now, possibly more. So what should I do to regain my sanity? (I’d welcome any feedback.)