Thoughts on turning 40
So. I turn 40 tomorrow.
For someone who had a few tears about getting older on their 28th birthday, I was curious about how I’d feel about reaching this milestone. I very clearly remember my parents turning 40 and thinking they were probably past their best years; which was ridiculous of course! I’ve witnessed friends who’ve celebrated with joy, and others who’ve lamented and felt ‘old’.
But here’s the thing.
I’m so much happier now than I ever was in my 20’s. I’m more confident, self-aware, mentally balanced and awake than I’ve ever been.
I’ve got to the point where I don’t really care anymore what others think. And I’m clear on how to live my best life. I wouldn’t swap all that wisdom for my 20’s EVER. My 20’s were spent being lazy, selfish, worrying too much about things that weren’t important and coasting through life. My 30’s were very much about self-realisation, growth, travel and new experiences.
So, I’m actually excited about this next decade. I’ve reached a point in my life where I know what I want, and I know how to make it a reality. I have clarity now.
I’m a little bitter about having a 40th birthday in a lockdown though, I admit. I’ve had to cancel all sorts of celebratory fun. Alas, I’m not even allowed to invite one friend over for a drink, let alone throw a party.
But: There’s worse things going on in the world, right? So. I’ll celebrate properly another time. And, I’m fortunate enough to have a very thoughtful husband who’s organised lots of fun tomorrow, so I’m really looking forward to it.
If you’re reading this and you’re younger than me, here’s my advice:
Work out what makes you happy and do it!
Take care of yourself: mind and body
Don’t let anyone else’s words, opinions, negative energy or problems impact you
Find out what your purpose is and follow it
Have as much fun as you can, ‘cos even the longest life is really short
If you’re older than me, feel free to send me your own tips :)
Finally, I think Oprah sums up ageing pretty well, so I leave you with her wonderful words:
“If you’re blessed enough to grow older, which is how I look at ageing (I think often of all the angels of 9/11 who won’t get there), there’s so much wisdom to be gained from people who are celebrating the process with vibrancy and vigor and grace... You’re not the same woman you were a decade ago; if you’re lucky, you’re not the same woman you were last year. The whole point of ageing, as I see it, is change. If we let them, our experiences can keep teaching us about ourselves. I celebrate that. Honor it. Hold it in reverence. And I’m grateful for every age I’m blessed to become.”