The Little Things That Make Me Feel Fabulous in My 40s

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As I navigate my 40s, I often find that society paints a rather rigid picture of what aging should look like. The narrative seems to be all or nothing: chop your hair, avoid the miniskirts, and embrace kale smoothies. Yet, there’s so much more to this stage of life than mere black and white. We don’t morph into dull, old caricatures the moment we hit 40. Instead, we discover a vibrant gray area where we evolve, perhaps swearing a bit more, enjoying intimacy, and experimenting with bold lip colors.

Reflecting back, I remember a time about a decade ago, working alongside a diverse group of women in their 30s at an after-school program for kids facing challenges. Some were married, I was newly engaged, and none of us had children. We were passionate and driven. One day, the office was filled with Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack.” As we swayed to the beat, a colleague named Sarah exclaimed, “I might be too old for the Top 40, but I love this tune.” It struck me as odd that we could feel “too old” for music. When did enjoyment become age-restricted?

There are timeless joys that resonate with us regardless of age. Take, for example, a simple T-shirt. It’s unremarkable by design, but the cut and fabric work together to accentuate my figure, making me feel stunning even on my roughest days.

Here are a few of the delightful things that make me feel beautiful, transcending age:

1. A Crisp White Shirt
   Whether it’s a classic button-down or a simple tee, a white shirt—imbued with memories of Ralph Lauren and Bruce Springsteen—embodies effortless style and a sense of fun.
2. My Favorite Jeans
   Years ago, I splurged on a pair of jeans that fit like a glove. They were slightly distressed, and the pockets sat perfectly. Now, as the wear has created holes, they scratch my nostalgic itch for 80s rock and video stars.
3. The Black Crowes’ ‘Hard to Handle’
   This song always lifts my spirits. “Hey little thing let me light your candle cause’a mama I’m so hard to handle, yes I am!” I might fumble the lyrics, but that doesn’t stop me from belting it out with glee.
4. A Good Hair Day
   I’ll admit it: the days when my hair cooperates—whether it’s a perfect curl or a smooth finish—turn my mood around completely.
5. Painted Toenails
   It’s not about salon visits; it’s the little act of taking time for myself. Whether it’s a bright red or shimmering silver, my toenails are a colorful reminder of self-care.
6. Next-Day Vibes
   A college roommate once claimed that post-intimacy, your hair looks fabulous the next day. While I’m not sure if that holds true, the secret, satisfied glances my husband and I exchange the day after certainly prove that intimacy never goes out of style.

Regardless of age, certain things consistently make us feel sexy and fulfilled. It’s crucial to resist society’s expectations of what’s deemed “age-appropriate.” And yes, I’m starting to appreciate a nice kale smoothie.

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In summary, our 40s can be a time of remarkable self-discovery and empowerment, filled with small joys that remind us of our unique beauty and sensuality.