• Forty years of age meaning:

I turned 40 this year!  After hitting the fourth decade, I am starting to feel old. No, I take it back, older. 

When I was younger, the idea of 40 felt so distant. It was a vague number, something I didn’t connect with at all.  I was nine when my aunt was celebrating her 40th birthday; at the time when my mom was 35.  My cousin and I laughed at my aunt saying that it was her 20th birthday.  Now, I have come to realize that it is another beginning. It is a new phase in life. The phase is full of possibilities and wisdom gained from the years past. 

Life has seasons. I am way past high school and college. I am now in a season of raising 3 children. My children are in school now. My busiest season of life has passed. This is the phase when I am gaining some time for myself again.

• The Physical Changes

Physically, 40 feels different. It’s not just my body, but my energy levels seem to have a natural rhythm now. Some people get obsessed with maintaining their youthful physique. For me, 40 has become about accepting the natural changes and doing what I can to feel healthy.  I no longer look good in the tight dress, I wore when I was 20 and that’s okay.  I donated a bunch of my clothes after my body changed with three kids.

At 40, I am no longer to wear the highest heels I wore when I was 20. I gave most of my heels away.  Recently, I tried wearing my highest heels for an event. I had low back pain, sciatica pain radiating to the left leg for a week. 

Moreover, I see more fine lines, and more gray hair that I instantly pluck away.  Back in a day, my forty-year-old aunt plucked gray hair out.  Now, I find myself plucking my few gray hairs.   My coworkers once told me that I am lucky that I don’t have gray hair.  Obviously, I don’t tell anyone that I pluck my gray hair except you. 

What are Benefits of Turning 40?

 1) The Midlife Awakening:

Looking at 40 now, I can’t help. I think about the mistakes I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the successes I’ve achieved. No matter how big or small. There are parts of me that have matured. Also, parts of me feel exactly the same as when I was in my twenties. There’s a certain freedom that comes with this age. The pressure to have it all figured out starts to fade. It’s as if I’ve crossed a threshold. I can breathe a little easier knowing that I don’t have to have every single thing mapped out. What’s more, I’ve started to let go of the things I once thought were essential to my happiness. I’m learning to focus on what matters most to me now. Not what I thought I should be chasing in my youth.

 2) Family and Relationships: Life at 40 for a woman

Relationships are something that really stand out when I think about turning 40. I’ve watched friendships change. Some have faded, others have deepened. I’ve learned that not all relationships are meant to last forever, and that’s fine. I used to feel a sense of loss when people drifted away. Now I see it as a part of life’s ebb and flow. The relationships that matter most to me are the ones where there’s mutual understanding, respect, and support. Those are the connections that feed my soul, and I cherish them deeply. At 40, I’m more selective about how I spend my time. Especially when it comes to who I spend it with. There’s no room for negativity, and I’m much more protective of my emotional energy. 

3) Career and Purpose: In terms of career, turning 40 feels like a moment of solidification. I’ve made it this far, and while there are still professional dreams I hope to realize. I’m also proud of where I’ve been and what I’ve accomplished. It’s not about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving grand titles anymore. It’s about finding fulfillment in what I do. Knowing that my work is meaningful, and making a positive impact in whatever way I can. There’s a growing sense of clarity around my purpose. I’ve learned that success isn’t measured by comparisons to others. It is measured by my own standards, rooted in what makes me feel proud and satisfied with my efforts.

4) Psychology of Turning 40

At 40, there’s a shift in perspective on time itself. Time becomes more precious because it’s no longer an abstract concept. It’s something I experience in small, meaningful moments. I find myself saying “no” more often to things that don’t align with my priorities. Now I am saying “yes” to what truly brings me joy, peace, or purpose. There’s no more feeling guilty about carving out time for myself or doing what feels right for me. At this stage in life, I’m beginning to realize that time is my most valuable resource. I intend to spend time wisely.

5) Emotional Maturity

Emotionally, I feel like I’ve reached a deeper understanding of myself. In my thirties, I spent a lot of time trying to prove myself—both to others and to my younger self. At 40, I’m realizing that validation doesn’t come from external sources. The confidence I sought in my earlier years is now rooted in something quieter and more secure. I’m finally at peace with who I am. I know my flaws, but they don’t define me. My strengths have become clearer, and I’ve accepted that some things I’ll never change—and that’s okay. It’s been liberating to let go of the idea that I must always be perfect. Instead, to embrace the authenticity that I’ve earned through my experiences.

If I go back and talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to relax. Not everything has to be perfect. Not everything has to be done according to a schedule. I’d remind her that it’s okay to make mistakes. Every setback is just another chance to learn and grow. I’d tell her not to be in such a hurry to reach the next milestone. Instead to enjoy the journey itself. But I also know that those years were important. They shaped me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t change the struggles, the late nights, the tears, and the triumphs—because they all brought me to this point.

Turning 40 feels like stepping into a new phase of self-awareness and self-compassion. I don’t have to be anyone other than who I am right now. That’s a gift I didn’t fully understand when I was younger. I’m excited for what’s ahead because I know that life doesn’t stop at 40. Life continues to evolve, just like I do. This is the beginning of the next chapter. I’m ready to embrace it with open arms, knowing that I’ve lived every moment to get here.

Turned 40 and Lost

• Consider changing your schedule if you feel overwhelmed.  Change furniture around in the house.
• Get rid of things you kept for the last 20 years that was no use.
• Consider saving up for your kids’ college or house down payment
• Volunteer at your kids’ school. 
• Consider investing in a future generation. Become someone’s mentor 
• Take good care of yourself. It is time to make a routine annual doctor’s visit even if you are fully healthy. It is called prophylaxis.
• Take good care of your family. Finish long-awaited projects around the house. Try making long-awaited family-favorite recipes.
• Take good care of your parents by showing a good example to your kids. One day you will be an elderly parent if you are lucky.
• Find a mentor for yourself. It is good to have someone to look up to.