10 Things My Thirties Taught Me…
Today I turn 40. I bid farewell to my 30’s and today I celebrate my 40th birthday. I’ve found myself reflecting on how I feel about this, about the number 40, an age that seems to represent so much and inspires such a range of emotional responses. Some of my friends have dreaded their 40th birthdays, as if the loss of your 30’s is something to mourn. I see it differently.
As a wise person once said, we should “not regret growing older; it’s a privilege denied to many.” I’ve thought about this a lot. We have lost friends before they turned 40, known of other’s who sadly didn’t make it. Think about that for a moment. To grow older, to experience more, to learn more, to spend more time with loved ones — it is indeed a privilege. More than that, though, if given the choice, I don’t think I’d turn the clock back. There might be a few things I’d change but on the whole – I like who I am at 40.
I dress better for one, although I’d like my 30’s hair. I have my friends & family around me, my gorgeous George, I have a growing business and all you guys in this Blogosphere and in those squares on Instagram. I know who I am. I am stronger and wiser and more comfortable in my own skin than the 30-year-old woman I once was, and I am certainly more confident than when I was 20. I know what matters, and who matters, and I know what I want (mostly).
And so here are 10 things my thirties taught me…
1. That Motherhood really was the greatest thing to happen to me
2. To travel and experience more of the world. It really is all about the memories that we make together as a family
3. To laugh more, it’s good for the soul. I’m the first person to admit that I am often a little too serious
4. Care less about what everyone else is doing. Focus on you and yours
5. To surround yourself with sunshine people. If someone makes you miserable ditch them. Life really is too short to harbour people that don’t make you smile
6. That despite the challenges (there have been too many to mention), premature birth, upset, losing friends, the loss, redundancy, money, finding yourself again – you made it through. And remember it’s OK not to be OK
7. That exercise is good for the soul. It’s supports my mental health. It makes me feel good. I need to get back on track.
8. That my husband is wonderful. He is supportive, encouraging and alongside George is the best thing to have happened to me
9. The little things in life are so important – keep doing them no matter what
10. And lastly that being a positive person and always looking for the little things that make you smile will always be the best way to live life
I think that’s it. Turning my back on my 30’s. Feeling thankful for everything that I have achieved, friendships, love, my family and feeling excited for the future. Now to think about my bucket list for my 40’s. I’m off to celebrate with my boys this weekend and the girls next weekend! Love ya x x
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
Happy birthday, I hope you have a lovely day with your family. I am 41 and it didn’t bother me in the slightest when I turned 40. We all get older it’s just the way life is so we have to take every opportunity that comes our way.
Take care and all the best.
Author
I agree with you Kelly, it’s so important to be happy with who you are now and not look back
Happy Birthday! May you live long many more.
All the tips are superb but one line get my heart That exercise is good for the soul. Exercise is a part of life and that’s how we can manage growing age.
Author
Thanks so much, lovely words. Exercise is super important to me, although recently fell off a little x
It’s funny how a number can make such a difference to people isn’t it? Really it’s just a mindset. My husband turned 40 a year and a half ago and has seemed absolutely fine with it. I think I’ll be ok with it when I get there in a few years time (though I’d like to turn back time to my 20’s when I didn’t have so many worry lines!) It looked like you had a wonderful birthday surrounded by all the people most important to you in the world and really, that’s all that matters isn’t it?
Author
I was fine with it, Simon won’t be but he will admit to being a glass half empty kind of guy. My birthday was lovely, split between time with my boys and then friends.