George Bernard Shaw famously remarked that “Youth is wasted on the young.” While I won’t go as far as to say that, I can certainly relate. My late teens and 20s were filled with both exhilarating experiences and quite a few tearful nights. Although Hollywood may suggest that I’ve passed my prime, I assure you, the notion of being desirable in that realm is vastly overrated.
What I cherish most about my 40s is the liberation from the need for external validation. Sure, I still consider how an outfit looks on me, but it’s no longer about fitting a mold; it’s more about the connection between my self-presentation and how I feel. Next month, I’ll celebrate my 42nd birthday, and underneath it all, I remain the same person I was at 32 and even 22. The biggest changes have been in my perspective and how my body reacts, which, admittedly, is a lot. However, the narrative surrounding death and irrelevance as we age is largely exaggerated.
I take pride in looking good for myself, not just because I’m in my 40s. If someone views that as a concession for being past my prime, that reflects more on them than on me. A few years back, I watched a compelling moment when Lisa Hart responded to the question, “Don’t you feel marginalized at your age?” With an assertive pose and a confident smile, she replied, “By whom? Who’s putting me in a box?” It wasn’t about her status; it was about her power as a woman defining her own narrative. And she radiated confidence.
My 40s have gifted me the facial contours I always desired. Those once-flabby cheeks are gone, and I embrace my height without trying to hide it in ill-fitting clothes. Yes, my eyes now carry crow’s feet and those pesky “11” lines, but the woman that has blossomed within them is someone I cherish. This self-acceptance is something I couldn’t have imagined before reaching this stage.
As a business owner, I find myself standing strong against those who might underestimate me because I am a woman. My 40s feel like a boost of liquid courage, empowering me to confront challenges with confidence, expertise, and the wisdom I’ve gained over the years.
The sharp angles of my cheekbones catch the light beautifully, revealing the stories of laughter and pain etched into my features. Some days, I prefer a bold mascara look, while others find me embracing my natural beauty. What pleases me can shift from day to day, and I find joy in that fluidity.
True contentment, I’ve realized, isn’t tied to my appearance. I’ve come to understand that longing for material things often clouds my sense of joy. My compass for happiness lies in the peace I cultivate within. Did we even seek that feeling in our 20s? Back then, life was a whirlwind of noise and chaos.
Being in my 40s means asserting myself in every aspect—personally, professionally, and even sexually. It’s a joyous blend of belting out tunes in the car and getting my hands dirty in the garden. It feels as if I’m living at the very core of life, embracing both my beginnings and my future with equal vibrancy.
The most astonishing revelation about my 40s is discovering the abundance of experiences waiting for me.
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Summary
Embracing our 40s can be liberating, as we shed the weight of external validation and focus on self-acceptance. With newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of joy, this decade offers profound personal and professional growth. It’s a time to celebrate both our past and the exciting possibilities ahead.
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