By: Jordan Thompson
When my 23-year-old sister posted pictures of us together at our dad’s birthday bash, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. There she was, radiating youth with her luscious hair and vibrant energy, while I, standing next to her, appeared a bit more… seasoned (thanks a lot, iPhone’s high-def camera). Sure, I’d love to reclaim that youthful body of mine—though I didn’t appreciate it back then—but I absolutely wouldn’t trade the emotional rollercoaster of my 20s for anything. Instead of getting caught up in the societal pressure to obsess over appearance, I’ve chosen to focus on the perks of being 40, and my sister has played a huge role in that realization:
1. Fewer Surprises
In my 20s, I was often blindsided by all sorts of drama—jealous friends, toxic relationships, and unkind bosses. My sister sometimes finds herself puzzled by her friends’ or boyfriends’ baffling behavior, and I can draw from my own experiences to help guide her through it. Thanks to years of experience (and yes, therapy), I can now spot toxic people from a mile away. I’ve learned to sidestep emotional pitfalls before I even get close.
2. Less Concern About Appearances
My sister is undeniably stunning. She turns heads wherever we go, effortlessly pulling off outfits that would require me an hour to perfect in my 20s. Back then, I was obsessed with how people perceived me, spending sleepless nights analyzing my every word and action. Now? I shower every other day and speak my mind, even if it ruffles a few feathers. It turns out that being true to yourself is far less work!
3. Mastering the Apology
In your 20s, it’s easy to play the blame game and overlook your own faults. One of my proudest achievements in my 40s has been learning how to apologize without adding a laundry list of excuses. Whether I’m talking to a client, my husband, or my 6-year-old daughter, I’ve perfected the art of a sincere, excuse-free apology.
4. A Sense of Purpose
In my 20s, I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I had no clue how to turn that passion into a career. I felt adrift, constantly focused on my own needs and desires. Fast forward to 40: I’m now a working writer with a clearer sense of identity. My curiosity about others and the world around me has grown, and I’m finally in a position to contribute to the community through my work.
5. Self-Sufficient Happiness
Twentysomethings often struggle with restlessness, searching outside themselves for fulfillment. At 40, I’ve navigated my fair share of crises, heartbreaks, and profound love. If I find myself bored, I dive into a book, write, or binge-watch something fun. I eat well but also indulge in chocolate—no guilt here! Gone are the days of obsessive workouts; I now exercise just enough to feel good. And if I have time alone, I relish it instead of feeling anxious.
Research shows that after midlife—whether through crisis or creative breakthroughs—people tend to become happier, and I can attest to that!
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In summary, my sister has reminded me that with age comes wisdom, confidence, and a much more fulfilling outlook on life—one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.