Vintage AP, 1986.
The BIG 4-0 as they say.
I remember people putting posters at the neighborhood entrance growing up out in Brooks… “Lordy Lordy Gary is 40!” Anyone else remember that or was it a Line Creek Estates thing?
There’s something about turning forty that feels liberating actually. Not the hem haw people allude to. I feel seasoned, like Checkers French Fries.
It comes with awareness.
More like a steady exhale of relief after years of proving, building, stretching, and becoming…
So, “What now?”
“What truly matters?”
It’s less about acceleration and more about alignment. You don’t always need to go fast Ricky Bobby.
No more seeking applause – more about stewardship.
I’ve spent the better part of a decade behind a microphone, asking questions, listening closely, moderating rooms full of decision-makers, nonprofit leaders, executives, founders. I’ve had a front-row seat to resilience, brilliance, ego, generosity, collapse, reinvention, faith, and grit.
And somewhere along the way, without realizing it, I was being shaped too.
Forty feels less like “Look what I’ve built” and more like “Look who helped build me.”
ALL GLORY BE TO GOD.
I have immense gratitude for:
My parents, their tolerance and support, to this day!
My nephew AT who is my hero.
My Twin, Orangejello.
Mentors who helped mold me as a professional.
Friends who stayed.
My dog Tucker Carlson.
Guests who trusted me with their intimate stories.
Those who believe in my OUT OF THE BOX visions.
Small groups. Spirit led friendships and leaders. Pastor Chuck Ramsey, Preston Morrison, Pastor Chuck Allen, Pastor Jensen Franklin, Joanne Holz and Sue Diamond- to name a few.
That said…
I didn’t get to forty alone. It’s more like life is layered, like tiramisu or lasagna or CAKE.
Layered with lessons about humility.
About time and how it is not renewable… I did a podcast about this, check it out.
About saying no- conserving energy is important.
Validation chased is never satisfying…
That the marketplace is loud, blinders can be good- I used to think they were limiting.
I’ve learned that authentic curiosity is still my superpower.
Consistency compounds.
Sew Good Seeds, reputation is currency.
Most importantly… above the milestones, business & personal growth and podcasts…
Jesus Christ is King.
He is my anchor.
There were rooms I walked into unsure of myself, He prepared the way.
There were contracts that fell apart, He was by my side.
Through partnerships that disappointed, He was by my side.
Relationships that disappointed too, He was by my side.
Times my heart was broken, He picked up the pieces and collected my tears.
There were seasons where growth felt invisible, He sees everything.
There were prayers whispered before stepping onto a stage, there were prayers inaudible sobbing on the floor in my bathroom- HE WAS THERE.
Every single time.
His faithfulness, forgiveness, and Perfect Love continue to steady me.
I’ve become dependent upon it, my quiet time with the Lord, satiated in the Word.
Forty is about metamorphosis.
Learning to live life in complete surrender.
I recognize that the platform was never mine. The gifts were never mine. The opportunities were never random.
They were and are, provision.
If I’ve built anything meaningful over the past decade, it’s because He allowed it.
So today, I don’t feel older. I feel grateful.
Grateful for the yeses. Grateful for the nos.
Grateful for the pruning seasons.
Grateful for the wilderness season.
Grateful for the doors that opened only after He prepared me to walk through them.
Onward.
<3 AP
Adios friends, thanks for hanging out with me for a birfday BLOG.
Thanks for reading my birfday blog. This is #2 should I keep writing? They are fun and flouncy, and I feel like I can be personal in a way I cannot on pods.
Send me a message titled #40 at amandapearch.com if you want to share coffee/ Diet Coke and Chat with AP.
Connect with AP at amandapearch.com
Amanda Pearch is a powerhouse strategist, podcasting expert, and high-impact communicator with a heart for purpose-driven work. With nearly a decade of experience as a professional broadcaster and a strong foundation in marketing and communications, Amanda has built a vibrant career by helping mission-focused brands “find their voice” and spark intentional engagement.
As the owner and operator of a professional podcasting and production agency, she brings a bold voice and unmatched energy to every audience she touches. Whether it’s coaching executives, producing high-quality content, or leading strategic conversations, PURPOSE is at the center of her work.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, raised in Peachtree City, Georgia. Pearch is known for her ability to turn ideas into action- she’s recognized as a trusted voice for relevant & meaningful content, both locally and beyond.
Connect with AP at amandapearch.com
Connect with AP at amandapearch.com
