Turning 40: The Struggle Is Real

My 40th birthday is soon approaching. Turning 40 feels like standing on top of the hill of life, finally able to see everything clearly. Looking back, I see 40 years full of various emotions. I laugh at most of my memories, as they seem foolish. I see the pressure I went through making me what I am today. I see times when ego has brought me down and times when I am proud of who I am. There are so many moments I wish could be deleted and moments I feel would never have passed. Turning 40 feels like climbing to the top of the hill, and now is the time to climb down.



Changes everything

Turning 40 brings a drastic change in body, mind, relationships, and career ambitions.

Physical shifts

Your body is completely functional, but you may notice changes in your health, stamina, and metabolism. For women, the hormonal change is real. Hair, skin, periods, mood—everything is affected. Now, don't treat your body as ornamental. Embrace aging and shift to wellness. Stop dieting; instead, take a nutritious diet. Sleep well, exercise, and engage in self-care. Embrace the wisdom and be grateful for everything your body does for you. Let the guilt go and stop comparing.

Career

Don't be in a midlife crisis with your career. You may see a major shift in ambition, and the priorities may change. Feel happy about what you have achieved and work towards your goal. Work-life balance will become much more important to you in your 40s. Aging parents, growing kids, and increasing responsibilities may put your career in mayhem. Embrace the situation and be calm to handle this chaos.

Relationships

By now, you should be smart enough to know how to navigate social expectations vs. personal needs. Your role as a parent, partner, and caretaker starts evolving drastically. You start realizing time is more important than money in relationships. You will realize that quality friendships are important to bring peace and happiness into your life. Enjoy every minute of your life. Don't mess around with small stuff bearing no meaning to your life.

Self-Identity and Growth

It's the best time to let go of the insecurities of the 20s and 30s. Age will bring a sense of confidence and wisdom. You will now be able to embrace yourself the way you are. There will be no sense of guilt and fear. Just stop worrying about whether what you're doing is wrong. Do things you want to do, and don't try to prove anything to anybody. What remains is the passion for what you care about.

Lessons Learned in 40 Years

  1. Trust your instincts when deciding on something crucial. If your instinct says no, do not keep going.

  2. Enjoy as many foods, flavors, and moments of happiness as possible. Life is meant to be experienced.

  3. Quit thinking you are overweight. Don't live your life for onlookers. Engage in activities and have fun.

  4. Most things you do are about feeling happy, safe, and satisfied. It isn't about acquiring wealth or property.

  5. Give yourself what you need most. Self-care is a wonderful way of finding presence. Don't compromise on your sleep.

  6. Don't punish your body by restricting things it needs. Don't punish yourself for the things you were not able to achieve.

  7. Recognize the times when you need to loosen yourself and the times when you need to buckle up.

  8. Stop judging people around you and try talking to everyone.

  9. Buy clothes that feel comfortable and not fashionable.

  10. Write down your plans. It will make you feel better the next day.

  11. Don't overthink about the worst-case scenario, but be prepared, as it rarely happens.

  12. Don't force anything. This applies to everything- partnerships, jobs, friendships, and more.

  13. Movement is crucial. Go for walks, exercise, dance, and stay active.

  14. Don't ever suppress emotions. Cry when you want and laugh out loud when you want.

  15. The act of practicing gratitude has a profound impact on your mental health. 

Reaching 40 is about accepting who I am at last, not about changing into someone else. It's more important to enjoy the journey than to chase goals. I no longer use other people's timelines to evaluate myself. I choose to live authentically, joyfully, and with purpose instead. Being forty marks the beginning of a more profound and complete chapter in life, not the end of youth. And I'm prepared to fully embrace midlife if that's how it feels.

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