“Turns out, 45 years old is just 45 years old. An age that means you are old enough not to feel young anymore, but not old enough to complain about it. It’s like the middle child of ages… no one is impressed or thinks your turning 45 is a big deal but you.”  Huffington Post

When Wember turned 10, I was 42 and I wrote this blog, https://wemberinc.com/wember-turns-10/; it’s fun to be 10 after all! Today, I turn 45 and reflect on advice that I have received over the years from those who matter most.

  1. Don’t do dumb shit ~ Only a father could give you such words of wisdom
  2. Be on path by age 30 ~ If you’re going to be taken seriously, by age thirty you have better know where you’re headed.
  3. Life’s not fair and then you die ~ Growing up the youngest of six it felt that many things were not fair, you have to get over it. The irony of my mom’s advice is that she passed at 62 from CreutzfeldtJakob Disease, which is contracted by one in a million. Even when sick in bed she would state, “life’s not fair and then you die.”
  4. Grit and perseverance outdoes raw talent. Raw talent fades, perseverance is a trait to be nurtured; if you have it you will accomplish what you set out to do.
  5. Family, friends, beer and then hockey. Have your priorities straight and keep them that way.

My dad swears to me that 45-50 is the golden age of life; you are old enough to be respected, you have your full physical capabilities and, if you have planned properly, you have the financial advantage to do the things you want to do. I fit the mold and am grateful for what I have, but I have to admit rounding up to fifty doesn’t work for me; I’ll stay forty-five, thank you very much.

The prime age of forty-five comes with accepting the fact that our parents are in their later stages of life and the kids are growing hair that makes my wife and I cringe. The months leading up to forty-five were stressful with all that life was throwing at me and my family. I found myself getting complacent, should I sell my business and take a nap? Didn’t sound too bad. Then the reality sets in that I am not old. I just started life early and am feeling the effects. As I snap out of it I realize that there is still a whole lot to do and now I have the team, family and financial resources to accomplish so much more. 45-50 will bring on new challenges and, honestly, I can’t wait to burn them down. Keep an eye out, we are not done yet. Happy birthday…

~ Paul Wember, Owner’s Representative