So many people around me have been crossing the threshhold into their Fabulous 40s, from friends and acquaintances, to other family bloggers (shout out to Hayley from Hayleys Joys, and Luchae from My Spreadsheet Brain), and soon it will be my turn. As we cross this threshhold, many friends have said that they don’t feel 40, but I do. I FEEL 40! Not because of the aches and pains of aging, but because of all the experiences I have had and lessons I have learned in the last 40 years. I don’t feel young, nor do I feel old, I feel I am turning fabulously 40 and I am here for it.
Things I have learned leading up to 40
- While I am quite outspoken, and I have a lot to say (I guess that’s why I blog, haha), it has been a journey learning to speak up for myself and my family. I never wanted to make people feel unhappy or upset. I have learned (and am still learning) that it is okay to speak up and take a stand, in a kind and polite manner. If people take offense, that is up to them, as long as you are respectful and have no ill intent.
- I have learned that most lessons I need to learn can be found while gardening (I will be sharing a whole blog post on this topic).
- I have learned that often when we love, more often then not, it is better to let go than fight. Sometimes that means letting go of fear, or barriers, sometimes it means letting go of people or ego.
- I have learned to listen more to my inner voice.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians
Growing into a more authentic me
I will be sharing more things I have learned on this post over the next few months as I savour this experience of, as my friend Maxine says, growing (not aging). Strangely (or not), I am excited about this new chapter in my life. It feels like a new start, with new adventures around the corner. I have never felt as at peace with who I am as I do now, and never felt as ready to be true to who I am – with no apologies. So, bring it on 40, bring on this glorious time of my life where I am growing into my true, authentic self and loving those around me even more.
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.
Brene Brown
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