"When people say you’re awesome, accept it with thanks, because you are."
That’s just one of the lessons I’ve learned from being in my 40s. I remember turning 40 like it was yesterday – except it wasn’t. I’m staring the next big milestone in the face and saying a big, fat "whatever". It’s not that 50 is the new 40; it’s that it doesn’t matter.
Why I Love Being Over 40
From Nicole: To help my readers face their fear of numbers, and replace it with appreciation, I’ve asked some accomplished bloggers to share their thoughts about the number 40. Anything about the number 40 in any way, shape or form, to show how to embrace a scary number.
Compared with being 10, 20 or 30, 40+ definitely has some things going for it:
- I’m less concerned with others’ opinion of me – I know myself better than they do (which I probably couldn’t have said at 20).
- I’ve learned to trust my gut, which is almost always right (a process I started in my 30s).
- Signs of aging are badges of honor (at 40+ I have to say that, don’t I?).
Reflecting on Life and Biz
It’s also a great time to reflect on where you are with your life and your business. That’s something I’ve been doing a lot of recently. Thanks in part to guidance from our own Numbers Whrerisper®, Nicole, not to mention her awesome How to be a Finance Rock Star
And the numbers tell me some good things:
- Despite the recession, my average earnings trend is up.
- I’m getting a clearer idea of what I want to do with my business over the next couple of years.
- I have an exit strategy (though I’ll probably never stop writing).
Personal Life Lessons
Numbers aside, there are some other nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. And let me just say that these are wisdom for me – you might find others that work better for you.
- My 40s are a chance to age both gracefully and disgracefully. Gracefully means accepting kudos when given (as I mentioned before); disgracefully is about staying in touch with that inner child.
- It’s about being totally switched on to what’s going on in your mind even though others might not always get it.
- It’s a time to spend more time on what you enjoy and less on what you don’t.
- And it’s about making sure I am true to myself; that my core values are evident whether I’m online or offline (let’s call it alignment and harmony, if that’s not too woo-woo)
For me, this never stops. Every day is a beginning – a chance to do something awesome and have some fun, no matter what age you are.
Author bio:
Sharon Hurley Hall is a professional writer and blogger. Her career has spanned more than 25 years, including stints as a journalist, academic writer and ghost writer. Connect with Sharon on her website or Google+.
I was 41 when I first went down the path of self-employment, Sharon. Ain’t it grand?!
Totally agree with you on the power of being 40+. The centeredness and devil-may-care confidence that come with it are well worth the aches and pains, LOL!
For me, self-employment is definitely an improvement over the other type, Tea, even though it gets hairy sometimes. But knowing in my gut that it will all work out in the end is a big plus.
I was a late-bloomer as I started my business in my 50s, 🙂 Now that I am an age that I find completely surreal to that inner child, I know more than ever that numbers really don’t matter. I never liked math anyway. 😉 Oops, sorry, Nicole. BTW-love your blog. It’s going in my feed. Thanks to my pal, Sharon, for helping me find it.
That fact alone will inspire lots of people, Cathy; thanks for sharing. (And yes, this blog is awesome!)
LOL Cathy – when it comes to age numbers don’t matter in the way we’ve been programmed to think they do. When I lived in Asia I was struck by how the elderly were given great respect.
Glad you like the blog, yes there’s numbers but there’s always a steady supply of laughs (did you notice my laugh button in the sidebar?)
I love the Asian culture for that very reason – the way they revere their elders.
I missed the laugh button the 1st time, Nicole. Love it. One of my favorite quotes is from ee cummings ~ The most wasted of days is one without laughter.
You ARE awesome, Sharon, and also an awesome writer. Love your blog.
Thanks, Ms K. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Great article and it’s all true. As a member of the 40+ club I have also had these ideas reinforced time after time: people over things; it’s what’s inside that counts; everybody deserves a second chance–but maybe not a third; and finally oreos are acceptable therapy in a crisis…but just one or two :-).
Good tips, Lisa, especially about the Oreos. 🙂
The final numbers I’ve seen was ¥144,198,463, but that was only week 2. The movie was still on theaters afterwards, considering tv commercials, but it apparently dropped from all top 10s and the numbers themselves don’t seem to be listed by any online sources past that second week.
Love your spunk, outlook, and philosophy on growing older, Sharon!
As I head into the big 6-0 this year and reflect back on my 40’s, I realize since those years I’ve learned to trust my “gut” more than anything or anyone else. In doing so, my inner strength is reinforced. And like you, I’m less concerned with others’ opinions of me. 🙂
Fabulous read!
Good to know I’m on the right track, Melanie (and can I just say you look fab!) 🙂
Thanks so much, Sharon. Very sweet of you. You didn’t make my “day” … you made my entire year! 😉
Sharon as always you rocked it out. Thanks so much for sharing your insights here! Although the whole thing rocked, my personal favorite line was
“My 40s are a chance to age both gracefully and disgracefully. Gracefully means accepting kudos when given (as I mentioned before); disgracefully is about staying in touch with that inner child. “
Speaking of inner kids, Nicole, that laugh button is a hoot! 🙂
I remember turning 40!
It’s getting to be a distant memory for me, Anne. 🙂