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Why Embracing 40 Can Be a Wonderful Experience
As I approached my fortieth birthday, I realized I had been mentally preparing for it since I turned 36. It was like spotting an oncoming vehicle in a dream; I was calm yet knew it was inevitable that I would collide with this milestone. The thought of turning 40 felt daunting, but it also sparked a strange sense of acceptance.
I once worked with a colleague named Jenna who boldly declared her age as a reason to live life on her own terms: “I’m going to enjoy a cocktail before noon—I’m 40, after all!” she would exclaim. “I told my boss off yesterday—I’m 40, who cares!” It was inspiring to see her embrace what I viewed as a gateway to becoming less relevant. I, on the other hand, felt a bit apprehensive about crossing into this new chapter of life.
Unlike the transition to 30, where I craved respect and acknowledgment, turning 40 felt like stepping into a realm of undeniable adulthood. I found myself single and childless at this age—“I always imagined I’d be done with my first marriage by 40,” I’d joke, only to find my friends whispering in their cars, lamenting my “tragic” situation. I clung to my thirty-nine-ness like a lifebuoy, often reminiscing about my favorite characters from the show thirtysomething, which I had watched as a teen. Each episode felt like a reminder of how much older I had become, while I still felt like a kid inside.
The day I celebrated my 40th birthday with friends who had already crossed that threshold, I felt a bit like I had been hit by that metaphorical car. Despite having a fantastic party, I walked around in a daze for days, questioning my accomplishments. Why hadn’t I achieved anything monumental yet? Why was I still squeezing into jeans from my twenties? Why didn’t I own a house?
Slowly but surely, though, the much-touted “I don’t care” mindset began to settle in. I started to realize that I didn’t need to be concerned about others’ opinions of me. I could speak in my true voice when dealing with customer service! I could choose to spend time only with those who uplift me. After all, I’m 40 now, and if I worry about aging now, I have many more decades of fretting ahead of me.
As I embraced this new age, I felt grateful for the journey I’ve had and excited for what lies ahead. As poet Joseph Brodsky eloquently stated: “Now I am forty. What should I say about my life? That it’s long and abhors transparence…Yet until brown clay has been rammed down my larynx, only gratitude will be gushing from it.”
Gratitude is indeed the key. I’m 40 and ready to live fully, appreciating my past and looking forward to new adventures.
This article reflects on the beauty of turning 40 and the freedom it can bring. If you’re interested in more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at CCRM IVF and consider visiting Make a Mom for more information on your fertility journey. For additional details regarding privacy, you can find information here.
Summary
Turning 40 can be a transformative experience, filled with acceptance, gratitude, and the freedom to embrace one’s true self. As we age, we often find a newfound confidence that helps us prioritize what truly matters in life. Embracing this milestone can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence.