Turning 45: A Milestone I Didn’t See Coming (From Every Angle)

Professional Life: Something hit me recently when we hired a new team member. It wasn’t my age, per se—it was the realization that I’ve been doing this for over two decades. I’m no longer the eager mentee trying to soak up wisdom like a sponge. I’m the mentor. People are looking to me for advice, guidance, and inspiration.

Am I living up to the vision board I made for myself, or have I become someone else’s vision board? It’s a wake-up call to keep leveling up, setting new goals, and reimagining what success looks like for the next chapter.

Leadership and Volunteer Life For years, I thrived in “young adult” divisions of organizations—the energy, the discounted gala tickets, and the bar nights for a cause. But let’s be honest, those late-night fundraisers no longer spark joy—at least when they are in the middle of a week. I'm still me on a Saturday at any age.?

But most days, I embrace daytime meetings, meaningful board roles, and opportunities to lead without sacrificing time with my family. Case in point: I’m now the Women’s Chair of Philanthropy for the Houston Jewish Community Federation. Not the “young leader,” not the “girls’ chair.” The Women’s Chair. And you know what? It feels right.

Health and Wellness At 45, I’m in the best shape of my life—stronger, healthier, and finally at peace with food and body image. And yet… what is this perimenopause madness? It’s like puberty’s evil twin, swooping in just when you thought you had life figured out.

It’s confusing, humbling, and occasionally hilarious. (If you know, you know.) But it’s also a reminder to lean into change, seek the help I need, and keep adapting.

Turning 45 feels like opening a brand-new chapter in a book that’s already been pretty exciting. I’m ready to embrace this next phase with grit, grace, and maybe just a little glitter. If the past few decades have taught me anything, it’s that life keeps getting better when you let it.

Cheers to being 45 and fabulous. And still wearing glitter, obviously.

?Let’s do this. Happy Birthday to ME!?

Rachel.