This week I have been reflecting on my life, health, my direction and going over my purpose and goals. What I noticed is that life has a funny way of making us feel like we should pack up, give up and hibernate once we hit the big 4-0 and over, especially as a single mum. I guess I could whinge and moan about it, have a good laugh about it or write a blog? So a blog it is. It ‘s crazy how society has a cunning way of making us feel like being over 40 means we are too old to be attractive, that we are past our use by date to go reinvent ourselves. And that we are absolutely too old to date and find a good man especially with a child. I am only 40! Being 40 years old is like being a fine wine - we're just getting better with age! We are the living proof that success doesn't have an expiration date. So, if you're worried about hitting the big 4-0, don't be! It's just the beginning of our epic journey to greatness. So in this blog, I decided to explore the misconceptions surrounding being a 40-year-old solo mum and why embracing life instead of hibernating is the way to go.
1. Society's Expectations: The "Expiration Date" Myth
It seems like society has an unwritten rule that once we hit 40, our lives as single people and mums should come to a halt. But let's debunk this myth together! Age is just a number, and it certainly doesn't define our worth or our ability to live fulfilling lives. As a 40-year-old woman I feel like my life is just beginning and is about to get more fabulous!
2. Rediscovering Yourself: The Joy of Self-Exploration
As a 40-year-old, you've likely spent years dedicated to raising your children. With age also comes experience. Hitting 40 has been my best year so far. I fear less, am willing to fail more and am ready to take on the world. Being over 40 is the years to focus on ourselves! I am embracing this phase as an opportunity to rediscover my passions, hobbies, and dreams. Whether it's taking up writing, learning a new language, or learning, the world is our oyster.
3. The Power of Laughter: Finding Humor in Everyday Life
Life can be tough, but finding humor in the little things can make all the difference. This is definitely something I am trying to reconnect with as I have gotten more serious and am trying to find more time to laugh and enjoy life. Whether that is the challenges of thinking about dating in our 40s to the joys of juggling work and parenting, there's always something to laugh about. So, I’m trying to find funny anecdotes, embarrassing moments, and hilarious mishaps more. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and it keeps us young at heart!
4. Building a Support Network: Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals
Being a 40-year-old solo mum doesn't mean you have to face everything alone. Seek out support groups, online communities, or even local meetups where you can connect with other women who understand your journey. Sharing experiences, advice, and laughter with like-minded individuals can be incredibly empowering and remind you that you're not alone in this adventure.
5. Embracing Change: Reinventing Yourself at 40
Change is inevitable, and it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Recently I am really wanting to reinvent myself and am planning one for me! Being over 40 we have a wealth of life experiences and wisdom to draw upon. Embracing these opportunities to explore new career paths, pursue further education, or even start your own business or for me starting up my second business. Remember, age is just a number, and reinvention knows no bounds!
6. Age is Just a Number: Embracing Life's Possibilities at Any Age
Early in the year I went and watched Rod Stewart, who at 78 years old is still rocking the stage and traveling the world. If he can do it, why can't I? I have 38 years of my life to work on it and looking at how much my life has grown in the last 5 years has been extreme. Age should never be a barrier to pursuing our dreams and living life to the fullest. Whether you're 40 or 14, it's never too late to start anew and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. So, let's embrace the possibilities and show the world that age is just a number!
Here is a list of people who are world renowned and started in their later years. So it is never too late!
1. Vera Wang: The renowned fashion designer didn't start her own label until she was 40 years old, after working as a figure skater and journalist.
2. Samuel L. Jackson: Jackson's breakthrough role in "Pulp Fiction" came when he was 46 years old, launching him into Hollywood stardom.
3. Julia Child: The famous chef and television personality didn't publish her first cookbook until she was 49 years old, and her cooking show didn't debut until she was 51.
4. Morgan Freeman: Freeman's career took off in his 50s, with notable roles in films like "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Shawshank Redemption."
5. Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses): Moses began her career as a folk artist in her late 70s and gained international recognition for her paintings.
6. Colonel Sanders (Harland Sanders): The founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken didn't find success until he was in his 60s, after years of working odd jobs and running a small restaurant.
7. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Wilder published her first book in the "Little House" series, "Little House in the Big Woods," at the age of 65, becoming a beloved children's author.
8. Ray Kroc: Kroc was 52 years old when he joined McDonald's as a franchise agent, eventually turning it into a global fast-food empire.
9. Charles Darwin: Darwin published his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" at the age of 50, revolutionizing the field of biology.
10. Taikichiro Mori: Mori became a real estate tycoon and billionaire after retiring from his career as a professor at the age of 55.
So, my fellow fabulous 40-year-old solo moms, let's banish the idea of hibernation and embrace life with open arms. Society's expectations may try to dictate our path, but we have the power to redefine what it means to be 40-year-old and over. Let's laugh, explore, and celebrate the incredible journey we're on. After all, life is too short to hibernate when there's so much joy and adventure waiting for us. Cheers to being fabulous at 40 and beyond!
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