I'm Turning 40...any Ideas How to Star a New "Best Stage in Life"..???

Hi Maria,
I too have crossed that 40 mark. I was anxious about it as well, however after you get there it is really no different than any other age. Just another year has passed. The new 40 is like the old 30 since people are in better health and living longer. I got pregnant with my first son just a few months after my 40th birthday. I am now 41 and my son is 4 months old. I am just starting a new life as a parent and feel no different than I did at 30, except a few more wrinkles (which I hope Botox will take care of, lol). Age is relative anyway. Surround yourself with older friends and family and you will realize that 40 is really not that old. I hope you have a great birthday and even more fabulous life!

Join the club! I turned 40 this year and I too have a young child (10 1/2 months). Actually he's my only child. Becuase of my baby boy, I didn't have time to even think about being 40. It pretty much snuck up on me. Because I had my son later in life, my goal is to be as healthy as I possibly can so I can keep up with him as he gets older. What I love about this age is the confidence I didn't have in my 20's and my values and priorities have changed. I know I am a much better mother now than I could have been in my 20's. I think having a little one keeps you young as well. I love it when I tell people my age...they can't believe it! Be proud of what you have accomplished and celebrate entering your 40's. Besides, isn't 40 the new 30 anyway? Happy upcoming birthday!!

Hi Maria,
I am 42 with a 4 year old sweet boy and a 44 year old BIG boy husband. :) I love being in my 40's. I am much more confident. I know what I like and don't like. I have accepted who I am. I need to lose 30 pounds, but I still like who I am and just take one day at a time.
Being in my 40's has made me realize life is so short and precious. The hardest part is seeing my parents (aunts and uncles) getting older.
Enjoy! And, remember, you can just celebrate the first ANNIVERSARY of your 39th birthday instead of your 40th birthday. :)
Happy Birthday,
R.

Happy Birthday! I also wasn't excited when I turned 40 (4 years ago), but I would rather be in my 40's than in any other previous decade. I'm a lot more comfortable with me and who I am. Although it can be tiring to have a young child in your 40's (I have a 5 yr. old and 11 yr. old), I think that is made up for by having a little more maturity and confidence. It sounds like things are finally looking good for you and your family so enjoy and don't worry about your age - it's just a number!

I am now 57 but.....I had my first child at 42 and my second at nearly 44........so, I would say it was a time for beginnings.....and, for me, it was reaching at maturity level where I made my own choices without having to depend on others to make decisions. I left an abusive marriage soon after my second child was born and have been single, by choice, since then. It became a time for me to no longer put things off and I have hugely benefited from that. It is a fabulous time!

Maria,

Welcome to the 40 club! I highly recommend it! I cannot give you any great word of wisdom, I just try to live every day as if I am not guaranteed a tomorrow(not that 40 is the end of the road by any stretch of the imagination...it is just the beginning on a different road....the road where you appreciate life so much more) I too had my child late in life(she is 20 months) and I think I just look at things so differently now. I can devote more of myself to she and my husband, and can really appreciate the amazing life I have been blessed with, and I am so grateful for the beautiful gift in my daughter that it just fills me on a daily basis. Now, I know at 40 it is hard work girl!, and can drive you to the brink at times....it is not all sugar and roses, but what I am saying is...I am not the same person I was at 30....I am better, happier, more whole than I have ever been.

Enjoy your Birthday, do something very special for yourself...I personally just wanted to be surrounded by my family and friends...so that is what I did!

Well, I'm not quite there yet, but my father had Leukemia since he was 23 years old, and I watched him celebrate this age.

When he hit 40, it was a miracle, and instead of the black "over the hill" party, it was a huge colorful celebration! He knew his time was short and he actually died one month before his 50th birthday.

His last decade, he really refined his life, tried to accomplish his goals, started writing more and getting new hobbies that his body could handle (he was weak and couldn't do much of his old activities), and he became involved with volunteer work and church service even more to bring a new level of happiness to his life.

He cut out any bad habits, ate healthier and found joy in family and learning.

So, if you are interested in a hobby, like jewelry making or pottery, or music or whatever, embrace it and learn it and have fun with your family and service to the community!

I loved everyone's answers....especially Regina's and Kelly's.

I'm not quite 40 (I'm 38) but have done the shifting a little early, I think. I also left my unhappy marriage, and I just can't believe the world of possibility that is out there. I feel like I woke up after a decades-long sleep, and I'm alive again. This stage in life really is NOT the continuation of an old road, but a brand-new road that can go anywhere we want it to!

To me, the very very best thing about getting older is how much less I care what other people think about my choices. Operating from my internal compass instead of looking to those around me to tell me how I'm "supposed" to be or feel is the most freeing sensation in the world. I trust myself so much more, and don't beat myself up for every little thing I do "wrong" or for every "flaw."

I've never been religious, but I have found that my same-aged friends and I have a much more profound spiritual belief and curiosity than we did when we were younger and focusing on different things. We're figuring it out for ourselves instead of depending on someone else's answers. That has added so much to my life.

I love your focus on gratitude, and on being independent. You sound like a strong, courageous, and fun woman.

One thing that absolutely changed my life and attitude was a class I took that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to figure out who they are, where they've been, what they want, and how to get there. It's called Pathways, and it is absolutely indescribable what it has done for my life. The link is www.gopathways.org if you want to check it out.

Enjoy every moment! Hugs!