George Bernard Shaw once remarked, “Youth is wasted on the young,” and while I wouldn’t go that far, I certainly had my share of unforgettable experiences in my late teens and 20s. But those years were not without their struggles, filled with late-night tears and uncertainty. Though Hollywood might suggest I’ve passed my prime, let me assure you that the allure of Hollywood is vastly overrated.
What I cherish most about being in my 40s is the release from the old metrics of external validation. Do I still ponder if an outfit flatters me? Absolutely. But now, it’s not about being deemed attractive; it’s about recognizing how my appearance affects my treatment by others and my own self-esteem.
Next month, I’ll celebrate my 42nd birthday. I remain fundamentally the same person I was at 32 and 22; only my perspectives and my body have evolved. The narratives surrounding death and insignificance in our 40s are, frankly, overblown.
I bristle at the notion of looking good for my age. Instead, I take pride in looking good for myself. Does that sound like a justification for someone no longer in her youth? The real question lies with those who think that way. A few years back, I was in the audience when Sarah Thompson faced the question, “Don’t you feel sidelined at your age?” With a confident smile, she replied, “By whom? Who’s sidelining me?” It was a testament to her self-definition and confidence.
My 40s have finally shaped my face in ways I’ve long desired. The chubby cheeks from my youth are gone, and I embrace my height without squeezing it into ill-fitting clothes. Yes, I have crow’s feet and those annoying “11” lines between my brows, but the woman I’ve become is one I genuinely admire—something I couldn’t fathom before entering this decade.
As a business owner, I often face individuals who might underestimate me due to my gender, yet my 40s have provided the audacity I once sought in my 20s. I stride confidently in my stylish boots, ready to assert my experience and wisdom in any conversation.
The intricate lines of my face tell stories of laughter and resilience. My beauty lies not just in appearance but in the wisdom I’ve gained over the years. I oscillate between heavy makeup and a fresh face, intrigued by how my preferences shift daily.
Contentment now stems from self-awareness rather than appearance. I recognize that longing for material things often distracts from genuine joy. True happiness is rooted in the peace I feel within. Did we even seek that kind of peace in our 20s? Back then, life was about the chaos and the rush.
Being in my 40s is about asserting myself—personally, professionally, and sexually. It’s about singing loudly in the car and getting my hands dirty in the garden. I feel as though I’m living deeply, reaching towards both my beginnings and my future, each equally vibrant.
The most surprising revelation about my 40s is how much I have to look forward to as I continue this journey.
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Summary:
Embracing life in our 40s can be rewarding, filled with self-acceptance and confidence that transcends societal pressures. This decade offers a profound opportunity for personal growth while defining beauty on our own terms.