At 39, I felt turning 40 wouldn’t change much—just another number. But weeks after my birthday, I found myself assessing wrinkles and gray hairs, feeling a slight panic. That’s when I realized it was time to embrace this new phase and focus on self-care.
Looking back, I saw how much I’d achieved—education, a career, moving to a new area, even a big home renovation—all while unfairly berating myself. Now, if I feel unaccomplished at the end of the day, I list everything I did, even small tasks. It’s grounding.
I’ve also made self-care non-negotiable. No overworking; I unplug completely during breaks. I also saw a doctor, discovering I needed key vitamins, which I now take regularly. I’ve embraced saying “no” without guilt and stopped apologizing for my emotions.
At 40, I’m just starting to feel more at peace. I don’t rush into new relationships and take time to focus on what truly matters to me. Life after 40 feels like a fresh beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
