Life Unfiltered 39+1 Embracing the Big 4-0

Navigating the transition. What turning 40 means to me. Where I’m at. What I’ve learned & what I want you to know

OMG I turn 40 this week and truth be told I am feeling pretty good about it. As I stand on the threshold of a new decade in my life, the milestone of turning 40 has prompted me to pause, reflect, and contemplate the journey that has brought me to this point. It's a moment of introspection, a time to acknowledge the passage of time and the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.

This new decade is a significant milestone for many people. It marks a transition from youth to middle age, a time when we are no longer defined by the exuberance of youth but by the wisdom and experience that come with age. It's a time when we may find ourselves reevaluating our priorities, reassessing our goals, and perhaps making peace with the paths we did not take.

For me, turning 40 is a mix of emotions. On one hand, there is a sense of nostalgia for the carefree days of my youth, for the dreams and aspirations that once seemed so far within reach. On the other hand, there is a deep gratitude for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the growth that has come with each passing year.

As I look back on the decades behind me, I see a tapestry woven with moments of joy and sorrow, success and failure, love and loss. Each thread represents a part of who I am, a story waiting to be told. Turning 40 is not just about reaching a certain age; it's about embracing the richness of life's experiences and finding meaning in the journey.

I find myself more comfortable in my own skin, more confident in my abilities, and more accepting of my imperfections. I have learned to let go of the need for perfection and to embrace the beauty of authenticity. I have come to appreciate the value of genuine connections, meaningful relationships, and the importance of self-care.

I have spent years full of self doubt. 80% of the time my thoughts were so negative. It made me feel so unhappy. But over the last year or so, I have made a conscious effort to change this and turn it around. I feel so much better for it. As I celebrate this new chapter in my life, I am filled with hope and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. I know that there will be challenges to face, obstacles to overcome, and moments of doubt along the way. But I also know that with each passing year, I am growing stronger, wiser, and more resilient. So here are 10 things that I have learnt at 40 that I would like to share with you, in the hope that it inspires you along your journey.

1. Resilience: I have learned that resilience is not just about bouncing back from challenges but also about growing stronger and wiser with each obstacle faced.
   

2. Prioritising Self-Care & Being Kinder : As a special-needs mum, and a multiple business owner, I've realised the importance of self-care and making time for myself amidst the demands of daily life. You dont always have to get everything right. Sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes you mess up and that's okay. Being kinder to ourselves is something we should doing more of.
   

3. Embracing Change: Turning 40 has taught me to embrace change with an open heart and mind, knowing that growth often comes from stepping out of my comfort zone.
   

4. Gratitude: I've learned to appreciate the little moments and simple joys in life, finding gratitude in the everyday blessings that surround me.
   

5. Finding Balance: Balancing the roles of a mother, artist, and professional has shown me the significance of finding harmony between work, family, and personal passions.
   

6. Self-Acceptance: At 40, I've come to accept and love myself for who I am, embracing both my strengths and imperfections with grace and confidence.
   

7. Living in the Present: This is the one I find most difficult, sometimes living in the past, but thinking about the future too much can really affect how you're feeling in the present moment. But I am learning  the importance of living in the present moment, savouring each experience and connection without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
   

8. Strength in Vulnerability: This really doesn’t come easy, however, vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of strength and connection. I've learned to be vulnerable and authentic in my relationships and creative endeavours.
   

9. Community and Support: Building a strong support system and community is essential for navigating the challenges of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
   

10. Courage to Dream: So far, life experiences has inspired me to dream bigger, take risks, and pursue my passions with courage and determination, knowing that it's never too late to create the life I desire.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this - Turning 40 is not the end of the road; it's a new beginning, a chance to write the next chapter of the story.  There is still ample time for you to become whoever you want to be. Time is a precious commodity, and at this point, it's so important to seize the moment and shape your destiny in a way that brings fulfilment and purpose. Live authentically and purposefully, so that when you look back in the future, you can do so with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that you lived each moment to the fullest.

Here's to stepping into the best era of my life with my beautiful baby girl and all the adventures that await….

My love to you always, speak soon x