How to embrace turning 40?

Turning 40 can be a significant milestone, and several experts offer perspectives and advice on embracing this new decade:

Embrace Positivity and Self-Acceptance

• Kate Spencer and Doree Shafrir from the Forever35 highlight that many anxieties about aging stem from societal expectations and fears around loss of youthful beauty. They reassure that it's normal to feel differently about your age and encourage focusing on the positive aspects of life at 40, such as increased self-acceptance and the continued possibility for new experiences and opportunities 1.

Celebrate Growth and Wisdom

• Jillian Michaels from the Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels stresses appreciating each decade's unique gifts. She emphasizes that 40 often brings greater confidence and contentment, as well as more authentic relationships. It's important not to fear aging but to embrace the growth and wisdom that come with it 2.

Reflect on Values and Priorities

• Jamia Wilson on the Good Life Project reflects that turning 40 can bring a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. She mentions feeling both a sense of urgency and a desire for more time to connect inwardly and with loved ones. This decade can be an opportunity to realign your values and priorities, finding a balance between ambitions and the desire for meaningful, slower moments 3.
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    Embracing 40s

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    Embracing Every Decade

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    Embracing Change, Urgency

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    Embracing Milestone Birthdays

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    Embracing Self-Love

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Focus on Joyful Experiences

• A listener of the Happier with Gretchen Rubin shared a practical approach to dealing with milestone birthday anxieties by creating a "40 and 40" list—40 enjoyable activities to complete in the year. This turns what could be a stressful time into one filled with anticipation and joy 4.

Maintain Self-Care and Strength

• Tim Ferriss discusses the importance of maintaining self-care practices that have worked over the years. He also emphasizes shifting away from self-criticism towards self-compassion, recognizing that loving oneself is crucial for overall well-being and for giving love to others 5.

Overall, embracing 40 involves a mix of positive reflection, maintaining self-care, and focusing on the enriching experiences that come with this stage of life.