Well today’s my birthday. And yes, I’m the big Four-O.

Far. Out.

Four decades.

Nearly half of which has been spent in formal education at primary and high school plus a decent stint at Uni.

Over a third of which I’ve been married. 

For nearly a quarter of which I’ve been a parent.

And, all of a sudden, my life is flashing before my eyes.

In fairness, that’s been partly due to flicking through nearly 30 thousand photos (yes really) as I prepared for my 40th do. It’s true that yes, Mr SnS likes to take a few snaps, but somewhere things got a little out of hand with a couple of recent years having over ten thousand photos to sift through.

That’s a lot of photos.

And a lot of memories.

As I’ve reflected on turning 40 these past few months, I’ve thought about how my outlook has changed, the older I become.

How I’ve grown into myself.

How my perspective has shifted.

So here’s my take, now that I’m 40.

 

Now that I’m 40, I accept myself and don’t apologise for who I am.

Now that I’m 40, I know what I need to work on as well as my strengths.

Now that I’m 40, I know I can’t “fix” or change anyone but I can encourage them to become a better version of themselves.

Now that I’m 40, I value kindness, gentleness and generosity over brutal honesty.

Now that I’m 40, I can see how much I can learn from my kids.

Now that I’m 40, I know that nibbles doesn’t mean dinner and I should eat toast and a glass of milk before I arrive. Or stop for a cheeseburger on the way home.

Now that I’m 40, I wonder when I’ll actually feel grown up.

Now that I’m 40, I can see how the threads of my life are coming together (thanks Oprah).

Now that I’m 40, I dress not for men, or other women. I dress for myself.

Now that I’m 40, I know a good laugh (or cry) with a dear friend solves a lot of problems.

Now that I’m 40, I still worry, but about much different things.

Now that I’m 40, I don’t pretend to like things, when really I don’t.

Now that I’m 40, I ask friends and family about their mental health not just their physical health.

Now that I’m 40, I’m thinking about how I want the next 40 years to look.

Now that I’m 40, I accept more and analyse less.

Now that I’m 40, I’m not taking any chances with my health.

Now that I’m 40, I know that when life is painful, sometimes, you just need to feel it, sit in it and wait for it to eventually pass.

Now that I’m 40, I give myself time to consider before committing but when I’m in, I’m in.

Now that I’m 40, I’m happy to ditch the housework sometimes and go have a burger.

Now that I’m 40, I know everyone has a backstory I know nothing about.

Now that I’m 40, I understand that parenting never ends.

Now that I’m 40, I realise anew how great the ’80s were.

Now that I’m 40, I know time is a great healer.

Now that I’m 40, I know a clean and tidy house comes at a price.

Now that I’m 40, I appreciate my loved ones more than ever.

Now that I’m 40, I’m thinking about what I might do for my Festival of 50.

 

How old are you? Are you happy being your current age? Got any pearls of wisdom you’ve picked up along the way?