Turning 40 strikes fear into the hearts of women all over the world. There’s something about that number that makes women feel like they are past their prime and no longer young.
On the other hand, many women who have already got there will report that it isn’t so bad and that, in fact, there are lots of things about being 40 that are wonderful. These are things that you may not experience or understand when you’re younger. Whether you’re already there or you have a few years to go, check out what’s awesome about turning the big 4-0 and it will be a birthday you can look forward to.
1. Your Life Is Your Own
By the time you reach 40, you have a pretty good handle on where you are in life and how to live the life you want. You’ve probably already come to know that you don’t have to do what others tell you to do.
2. You’re Still Confident
At this point you know that you are no longer lingerie model material, but you’ve also spent the last couple of decades figuring out what makes you look your best. That means that, even at age 40, you can still look and feel fabulous, but you don’t have to spend so much time discovering what it takes because you already know.
3. You Know How To Say “No”
It’s hard to tell someone “no,” but by the time you get to age 40 you have learned how to do it right. You can tell a man at the bar to get lost, your co-worker to do her own work and your neighbor to take care of her own cat without sounding rude and awful. That’s because you know how to let people down gently without making yourself look bad.
4. You’re A Good Listener
Your years on Earth have helped you hone the skill of listening. So, when you have conversations, you can be fully engaged and make someone feel like they matter and are important to you. You probably also know that active listening is an important skill to have and can help you form and maintain positive and healthy relationships.
5. You Know How To Get Things Done
All the years leading up to your 40’s have given you lots of opportunities to learn new things. That means that by the time you reach the big 4-0, you know how to fend for yourself. You probably also know that if you want something done to your standards, you may have to do it yourself.
6. You Have Friends You Can Count On
By the time you get to age 40, you have likely formed relationships that have lasted for years. Nurture those friendships because they will get you through your 40’s and beyond.
7. You Value Sleep
As a younger woman, you may have pulled all-nighters or spent your free time partying. Now you realize the value of sleep for your health and your youthful looks. Aim for seven to nine hours each night for the best benefit.
8. You Take Care Of Yourself First
Women often fall prey to the idea that they have to be the caretaker for everyone else, at the expense of themselves. By the time you hit 40, you know that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
9. You Understand Money
All of your life experience has taught you to spend money wisely, but not to be so cheap that you don’t enjoy your 40’s. Use those lessons wisely and you should have plenty of money for a great life now and as you get older.
10. You Skip The Jealousy
By now you know that jealousy only drains your own energy and that it certainly isn’t worth wasting your life wishing you had what those around you have. The same goes for anger and rage.
11. You Don’t Push It
Now that you are 40, you know that if someone doesn’t care about your favorite topics that you don’t have to push it. You can maturely drop the subject and move on to something else.
12. You Have An Intimate Relationship
You are now able to have a fulfilling and satisfying sexual relationship with the significant other in your life. As your kids leave home and you have more time, you are able to engage in intimacy more often.
13. You Have Life Experience
All of the years you’ve spent living mean you have lots of experience in the ways of the world. This makes your life easier, no matter what you’re facing. This puts you in a great position to help others who are younger than you.
14. You Get Along With Co-workers
Since you got your first job you have been learning how to get along with the people you work with. You know how to get your job done regardless of the people around you and you can be friends with just about any of them.
15. You Have More Personal Accountability
By now you have learned the fine art of taking responsibility and owning your stuff. This will give you the edge in many situations and will make it easier for other people to take you seriously.
16. You Know What You Can Do
Once you reach age 40 you no longer delude yourself of being capable of things you aren’t capable of. You know your strengths and weaknesses, but you also know how to use what you have for the best in any instance.
17. You Can Accept Differing Opinions
There was probably a time in your life when you had a hard time dealing with people who didn’t think the same way that you did. Now that you have age and experience under your belt, you can accept differing opinions and you can remain friends with someone who thinks differently than you.
18. You Know Your Limits
Just like you know what you can do, you also know what you can’t do. You know that there are just some things you’re not good at, and it not only doesn’t bother you, but it doesn’t slow you down either.
19. You Can Find Love Again
By the time you’ve hit 40 you have probably ended plenty of relationships and you know how to do it right. But you also know that you can move on and find love again with someone else, no matter how old you are.
20. You Can Provide For Yourself
Many women fall prey to the idea that they need a man to support them when they are young. By now you know that you can provide for yourself, and you might be in a relationship, but you don’t need a man to survive.
Even women who dread 40 say it isn’t so bad once they get there. You will probably feel the same.
