To Women Everywhere: 16 Crucial Lessons I Wish I Learned Before Turning 40
I just entered into my fourth decade on earth and it has been incredible. I feel more alive than ever! However, there are a few things that I wish I had learned before I hit the big 40. That is why I wanted to share these 16 important life lessons I think every woman should know before they turn 40. Hopefully, these lessons will help you go into the next chapter of your life with ease, confidence, and the ability to be positive as you continue to age beautifully.
How To Travel Solo
Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and there’s no real need to do it if you don’t want to. However, by age 40, you’re hopefully going to be comfortable enough in your skin that you feel confident enough to take that trip you’ve been wanting to take, even if it means going by yourself!
How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty
This is something that I know so many women struggle with. We can often agree to things that we don’t want to do because we don’t like the thought of letting others down. Time to put yourself first, ladies. If you don’t want to do it, then simply don’t! You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Set these boundaries for yourself, and others should respect them if they care about you at all!
Own Your Style
At this point, you know your body and recognize what looks good on you. Wear whatever you want and own it! A woman who exudes confidence, regardless of how old she is or what she’s wearing, is the secret to looking good. Stand tall, shoulders back, and strut your stuff.
How To Cut Off Toxic People
When we’re younger, we can overlook behaviors from people who don’t always have our best interests at heart. You no longer have the time or energy for that. If someone isn’t adding joy to your life, then they shouldn’t be a part of it. It’s that simple.
How To Learn From Your Failures
Whether it’s a marriage that’s broken down or missing a deadline, failures aren’t inherently bad and they often present a good opportunity to teach us a lesson. Reflecting on our failures helps us to grow and do better the next time, so try not to let them eat away at you.
How To Find A Bra That Fits You
This is an important one. A good bra goes a long way, offering you the right amount of support and enhancing your posture, which, in turn, helps you to look and feel more confident. Regardless, it’s still going to get whipped off right away the second you get home.
What You Will And Will Not Tolerate
Gone are the days of putting up with someone else’s crap. You’re not going to let anyone walk all over you because you’ve set boundaries for yourself and recognize what’s good for you. The more you set these boundaries, the easier it becomes. You don’t want anyone to disturb your peace.
How To Not Let Your Insecurities Hold You Back
By age 40, we know ourselves very well. Every flaw and imperfection that we see within ourselves is part and parcel of who we are, and what makes us unique. At this point, we accept what we have and we make it work for us.
How To Negotiate
Whether it’s negotiating a price for a new car or confronting your boss about a much-deserved pay rise. You’re not going to let anyone overcharge or underpay you because you recognize your worth, and what you bring to the table matters.
How To Handle Yourself
You can still be a nice person while also having the confidence to stand up for yourself. You’re not going to let anyone push you around anymore because you value your self-worth too much!
How To Handle A Crisis
By the time you’ve hit 40, chances are you’ve already seen and been through a lot in your life. This could be the loss of a parent or a messy divorce. Major life events are inevitable, and at this point, you’re ready for any curveball that life throws your way.
That Time Is The Greatest Gift Of All
Time can often feel like it’s slipping away, and it feels like just yesterday you were celebrating your 30th birthday. Cherish each day and those around you who make life that little bit sweeter. There are no doubt going to be bumps along the way, but at this point, we know how to handle anything.
How To Deal With Your Emotions
So many people live all their lives without learning to deal with emotions. While experiencing negative feelings, such as anger, jealousy, and sadness, is normal, letting these control your life is not. Learn to take a distance from your emotions. Simply acknowledge the feeling and let it pass. Always remember, everything is temporary.
How To Practice Self-Care
Let’s start by saying that self-care is never selfish. Learning this skill will ensure long-term fulfillment, peace of mind, and happiness. Whether you want to indulge in a hot bath, pamper your skin with luxurious products, or book a professional massage in your favorite studio, never underestimate the power of self-care.
How to Save Money
At this point in your life, you should have at least a little money saved for your future. By the age of 40, you should know how to save money on a regular basis. You don’t have to save much but put aside a little bit each week, month, or year so you will be well prepared for retirement. It is coming up sooner than you may think, and it is better to start planning early!
How to Prioritize Your Relationships
In the earlier years of life, we often think that the people we love will always be around. However, over the years, relationships come and go. The people we care about the most may slowly slip out of our lives if we do not prioritize those important relationships. Once I hit 40, I realized that I need to put relationships first, nurturing them and helping them grow. Sending occasional texts, making phone calls, and spending time with the people you love are essential. By the age of 40, we should all know how to make relationships last!
