The Beyoncé 40

 My 40 favorite Beyoncé songs playlist

I’m officially two months, 19 days and 14 hours from my 40th birthday, so I should have something more reflective and thoughtful to say as Beyoncé turns 40. We’ve grown into our womanhood together. Her music has been the soundtrack to my life since I was 16 years old. For every moment – good and bad, love and heartbreak, friendship and jealousy, gym workouts and binge eating and drinking, success and failure, pure bliss and disappointment – there’s a Beyoncé song playing in the background.

So in this moment, I should have deep thoughts about where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. But I don’t. I, a woman of MANY, MANY, MANY words, has none. But why?

I can’t get no days off
I don’t get no days off
Truly, I’m feelin’ it
I had to say that thing twice

–Beyoncé, “Bigger”

I’m tired. I’m overworked. I’m exhausted. I can’t get no days off. I don’t get no days off. I’m down bad – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Yes, “I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time. Know there was something that meant something that I left behind,” (Beyoncé, “I Was Here”), but I can’t do that at the expense myself, my wellbeing. I refuse to go into my 40th accomplishing goals but not being well.

So starting today, I’m going to be more intentional about balancing my life. I’m going to prioritize my wellness. I’m not going to try to accomplish all of my goals at once. I’m actually going to eat the elephant one bite at a time because I’m over here choking while trying to swallow it whole.

This is for them 40-somethings
Well, raise up your glass and laugh like a motherfucker

–Beyoncé, “Schoolin’ Life”

Forty should be pure bliss. And my journey to ensuring that mine is begins today.

So cheers to 40! Happy Birthday, Bey! I’m laughing like a motherfucker right behind you!

And as a bonus, here are my 40 favorite Beyoncé songs, best listened to on shuffle.