What does turning 40 mean to you?

[Bluetree]

I'm hitting the big Four-Oh in a couple of months with some seriously mixed feelings.

On one hand, I don't feel 40, or middle aged, or whatever (except that I have less tolerance for LOUD noises and bad behavior). I'm in better shape than I was at 30, at the same weight I was at 20 and have been told I look much younger than my age. I have a successful career, great friends and a wonderful, supportive family. I have never suffered from health problems, and neither has any of my family. I consider myself a truly lucky person.

Turning 30 never bothered me... so why I am so upset at turning 40?
Does being single have anything to do with it?
The thought of my next birthday makes me sad, for some reason.

[maillotpois]

Just turned 40. Life's still crazy, hectic, fun and unsettled. But being 40 didn't really change anything for me. Other than the new wheels I got for my birthday!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...349#post157349

Most of my close friends over the last 10 years have been mid to late 40's and older. They're all as active as I am if not more and are generally happy women, so I have good role models. There are plenty of good role models here on TE, too!

[suzieqtwa]

Hey Joy,
I just turned 53. Age REALLY bothers me also. I weigh the same as I did 30 years ago ,and I'm in pretty good health, and also look young for my age. I think was bothers me the most is the wrinkles ,and lines on my face (thank goodness for botox) . I'm so much better mentally than I was in my 20s ,and 30s. Age effects all people different. I can do a lot more than some of my friends in there 30s. Before the bike, I was a runner. I ran the Portland Marathon at age 51. 40 ,and 50s are good ages to be. You sound like things are good for you ,so embrace the fact that you are healthy,and strong.
Suzie

[Veronica]

Just turned 40. I am in the best shape of my life, have a terrific supportive husband and some awesome friends.

Life is good.

I get a lot of flack from my siblings each year. I am the youngest. I've taken to reminding them that they'll always be older than me and then ask them if they want to race.

I'm always somewhat melancholy around my birthday. It's lingered on this year.

It is just a number. Getting older beats the alternative.

V.

[LBTC]

The 40's are the age of POWER for women! Take all of your wisdom of those years and add it to the vitality and youth you still feel and you are a force to reckoned with!

I'm looking forward to 40....it's only 10 months and a few days away....(and I intend to have Crohn's completely under control well before then, and hope to be back to the best shape I was in 2 years ago)

Hugs and butterflies!
~T~

[mimitabby]

40? for me; long long ago and far far away.

But it can be the best time of your life. and it's just a number. You've heard from a lot of us already who have told you. I know people your age who are older than me. I'm 55. You are young, healthy and beautiful.
If finding a guy is important to you, focus more attention on it. But it's not your age.

When I was 40, I was still so focussed on my kids that my health was a disaster. You're way ahead of me. Charge forward and don't look back.

[Trek420]

40? It is to laugh 40 was 10 years back.

My 50th b'day was kind of a disaster but I plan to have a much better time on my 51st....and from here on out.

40 you're barely just getting warmed up. And what V sed, it is just a number. Getting older beats the alternative, many don't get this far. Enjoy the ride.

[Brandi]

Hey Joy,
I just turned 53. Age REALLY bothers me also. I weigh the same as I did 30 years ago ,and I'm in pretty good health, and also look young for my age. I think was bothers me the most is the wrinkles ,and lines on my face (thank goodness for botox) . I'm so much better mentally than I was in my 20s ,and 30s. Age effects all people different. I can do a lot more than some of my friends in there 30s. Before the bike, I was a runner. I ran the Portland Marathon at age 51. 40 ,and 50s are good ages to be. You sound like things are good for you ,so embrace the fact that you are healthy,and strong.
Suzie

Oh my gosh! You lie! You do not look 53 at all! I mean this. Look at your picture. You are so young looking. What is your secret? You look like you are maybe in your mid 30's. my husband is almost 50 and everyone says he is in he's 30's too.

[hellosunshine]

what about libido?mine has vanished!is it the age(39 and 11months)the bike or what,id rather go to bed with a book,not a terrific thing to own up to,eeek

[Meaux]

One of my bosses is turning 40 in a few months and so she decided that she'd go on a diet and start out her 40s looking as good as she wants to. I'm very proud of her. I, on the other hand, am looking a 30 in 2 1/2 years, and am SO not where I want to be. I hear that 30's are better than the 20's and the 40s are even better than that. Congrats on being 40 to all of you ladies!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And the 50's are even better than THAT, if you keep biking!

[KnottedYet]

what about libido?mine has vanished!is it the age(39 and 11months)the bike or what,id rather go to bed with a book,not a terrific thing to own up to,eeek

I was that way until I found someone I really felt comfortable with and adored. I *want* that person so much (and in so many ways other than physical) that all this libido that I thought had faded away LEAPT up and took over! Don't worry! It will all come back when the time is right. Meanwhile, enjoy your books! (Might I suggest trying a few by Douglas Adams, Tom Holt, or Terry Pratchett?)

[kelownagirl]

Yeah I can vouch for that too. Getting divorced certainly got mine back in shape...

[Thistle]

hey bluetree

i am 46 and reckon 40's rock dont stress the single thing (yeah, i now that's easy to say when you have a wonderful guy like mine), but i felt the same way about turning 30 that you do about 40.... and i started going out with DH a week before i turned 30 .. .sure picked up my 30th for me .

I guess my point is, i was happy on my own and wasnt looking for someone, and then poof, it just happened.

Having said all that, i would go back to my thirties for anything. I much prefer being 40 something. It's just great to be at a age where you know you matter . And i never felt that before my 40s.

You sound like a beautiful, healthy strong woman. Is there anything better than that no matter what age you are? Celebrate that and dont give the "number" a thought.