I recently came across a survey conducted by a British social networking site in which 70% of respondents over the age of 40 claimed they were at their happiest at the age of 33. http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/03/29/survey-people-arent-happiest-until-t.... The survey claims that 33 is the magical age where people have achieved a certain level of maturity while still maintaining their youthful energy. It also points to possible contributing factors, such as being established in their careers, having enough money for fun, and having children to enjoy. Personally, the age of 33 was a turning point, while not a particularly happy one. Shortly before my 33rd birthday, I lost my dad to cancer. He was only 66, and I shockingly realized that I was exactly half his age. Did this mean that my life could be half over? If so, was my life on track to accomplish everything I wanted to? I determined then and there to view myself as more than a wife, mom, and office manager. I purposed to experience more of life and strive for new goals. It was during my 33rd year that I made my longtime goal of becoming a fitness competitor a reality, competing in not just 1 but 2 fitness competitions. Now at the ripe old age of 34, I am still in pursuit of new experiences. I will embark in a new adventure of a weekend backpacking excursion through a beautiful state park with my best friend. Alongside my brother, I am co-founding a non-profit organization for disadvantaged youth in my area. And when my youngest starts school in the fall, I intend to earn my personal training certification. While we all have that friend who is constantly reminiscing over her college years that have come and gone, we can all have so much more to look forward to. Each day, I marvel at my two daughters who are growing so fast. I like to think that the new drive and determination they see in me is inspiring them. And I hope that one day (in the very distant future) I will have grandchildren to enjoy. Have I reached my happiest point yet? Is it all downhill from here, as the survey would lead me to believe? I choose to believe that the best is yet to come. I challenge each of us working mothers to make each day better than the last.