Middle-aged? Pah! Don’t you think it’s amazing to be 40? Once over, if you were nearing 40 you were done and dusted, a spinster even, but today you know what, we’re just getting started!
You know you’re getting older when the fashion you wore in your teens comes back round again; when you stop wearing translucent powder as it emphasises your fine lines; when you start talking to your kids like your own mum talked to you.
I Know Who I AM
Age is amazing though. I’m over 40 and I feel GREAT. Wisdom, confidence, resilience are a few of the things I like. I know who I am and I’m unapologetic of that. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I know who I want to spend my time with and that I won’t waste my time on toxic people. I’ve honed my style which I now love.
There are less shoulds in my life and more decisions based on what is right for me.
It has taken me 4 decades to get to this point in my life and it’s something that should be celebrated not shied away from.
The Highs And Lows
Life has thrown me huge highs and immense lows. At times, I have wondered what it is all about. I was divorced in my 20’s, lost both my parents, have been through several rounds of redundancy which at the time were hugely stressful but now, with hindsight, totally unimportant.
However, I’ve also have huge joys. The birth of my 2 children, my wonderful 2nd marriage, amazing family and friendships, great travels and a career I’m proud of.
The Unpredictability Of Life
If I’m honest though, I’m a little nervous of the unpredictability of life; who wouldn’t be after the above? But age has made me more resilient, more confident, more at ease with myself, more willing to take a step back and see how things pan out.
The Wobble
I did have a wobble after my 40th. I had a period of wondering who I was. This was partly down to my mum dying, the birth of my second child and big changes in my work. I felt a little insecure, a little vulnerable, a loss of my identity in a way.
There were nagging questions. Is this it? Have I achieved what I wanted to? Am I who I wanted to be?
The Realisation Of What Is Important
I’ve come to realise the importance of several things – of family, of friends, of good health, of peace of mind. As my friend said to me, ‘I know that I will never have 18 BFF’s but rather a small handful of wonderful, kind, spirited people with whom I can share the best laughs, my innermost secrets and who I can turn to with any problem.’
I’ve realised that the fear of doing new things can be crippling and that you have to do things that you are scared of otherwise you can feel powerless.
‘There is a bit of a feeling that if you don’t do something now you might be leaving it too late so I guess that can be a driver to achieve things you have always wanted to.’
It’s Not Time To Rest On Your Laurels
Now is not the time to rest on your laurels; it’s time to shake things up. Use all the confidence and wisdom that you have gained over your 40 years to tackle your fears and realise your dreams.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone. Aim High. Push Yourself.
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