Forty Is the Ignition Point
Dear Wild Ones,
Tomorrow I turn 40.
I am not going to tell you that I feel exactly the same as I did at 25, because I do not. My body is different. I’ve birthed two 9-pound babies and produced enough breastmilk to fill a swimming pool. My wrinkles are evidence of dancing till I cry, crying till I puke, singing till I laugh, and storytelling along the way. Like the moon, I accept that my life has seasons — and those seasons are etched on my skin.
The way I move through a room, the way I make decisions, the way I know — with a specificity that still surprises me — what I will and will not accept: all of it is different.
And I am more myself than I have ever been.
Psychologist Carl Jung is widely credited with the observation that life really does begin at age forty, and that everything before is research. I have pondered this sentiment a lot this past year, and every time I do, it feels increasingly true.
My 30s were beautifully harrowing — marriage, two births (one of which occurred inside a pandemic), Fox + Feather’s inception, several significant deaths (such as my therapist), the bulk of my eating disorder and sexual abuse recovery. My 30s did not fuck around. They burned away so much false programming around who I thought I was supposed to be — and left nothing but truth behind.
I feel more powerful, more alive, more magickal, more feral, and more resilient than I ever have before. I really don’t give a shit about what most people think of me. And that is true freedom. I’ve curated my life — people, wardrobe, thought patterns, and objects — to only contain those that add glimmer to my life.
I know what I believe in. I know who and what I’ll fight to the death for. I have cultivated a direct conversation with Spirit and Goddess, and at any point in any moment I know how to call forth my cauldron of magick. I am a threat to the patriarchy because I refuse to comply. I will no longer play small, shut up, be nice, apologize, over-explain, or defend my existence. This kind of stance creates a polarizing effect.
People love me. Or they don’t.
All that to say — we’ve been sold a lie, folks. Forty isn’t over the hill. Forty is the ignition point.
If you are approaching a milestone birthday, or sitting inside one, or on the other side of one looking back: I see you. Our culture works damn hard to tell us all that showing signs of aging is a moral failing.
Fuck that.
In the words of poet Mary Oliver:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
If this reflection stirred something in you — if you are in your own season of becoming and could use a space to explore it — our team of licensed art therapists is here. We offer individual art therapy sessions for female-identifying clients, trans-femme individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ages 8 and older, in person in Guilford, CT and via telehealth throughout Connecticut. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation or call us at 860-393-0940.
With Love and Glimmer,
Sarah Guercia, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Founder + Owner
Fox + Feather Healing Arts
FAQ
Who is Sarah Guercia?
Sarah Guercia, MA, ATR-BC, LPC is the Founder and Owner of Fox + Feather Healing Arts. She is a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist with over fifteen years of clinical experience specializing in eating disorder and trauma recovery. Meet Sarah and our full team here.
What does Fox + Feather specialize in?
Fox + Feather is Connecticut’s only group art therapy practice specializing in eating disorder and trauma recovery. We serve female-identifying clients, trans-femme individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members ages 8 and older, in Guilford, CT and via telehealth throughout Connecticut.
How does art therapy support identity and life transitions?
Art therapy gives form to what is shifting — helping clients move through major life transitions, milestone moments, grief, and the ongoing work of becoming more fully themselves. Creative expression reaches what words alone sometimes cannot.
How do I get started?
We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Contact us here or call 860-393-0940.
Does Fox + Feather accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Husky insurance and most FSA and HSA plans. Visit our pricing page for details.
Why Choose Fox + Feather Healing Arts
Fox + Feather is Connecticut’s only group art therapy practice dedicated to eating disorder and trauma recovery — and to helping clients return to themselves, fully and without apology. We serve female-identifying clients, trans-femme individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members ages 8 and older, in person in Guilford, CT and via telehealth throughout Connecticut. We accept Husky insurance and most FSA and HSA plans. Meet our providers or book your free consultation today.