40 things to do the year you turn 40

This will change the way you view birthdays. Hey lovely,

Hey lovely,

Happy February,

Today I am going to share something that made the year I turned 40 magical. It's about celebrating big things and little things and doing what we have always dreamed of. I have been wanting to share this for a long time as it brings me so much joy but I didn’t know what forum to do so in up until now. I hope this inspires you to celebrate more and get you excited during milestones that often particularly for women can feel not as joyful as I think they should.

I turned 40 last year, and it’s been my best year yet. I remember having a coffee with my friend, Michelle, who had just turned 50, and we spoke about how, while most people dread the fear of getting older, or feel anxious that they “still don’t have their shit together,” we were excited about starting the next decade of our lives. Life before 40 looked a little bit like:

Teens: I really struggled to fit in, and all the other usual awkward teen stuff

20’s: I was still trying to find where I belonged in this world; whether it was within my friendship group, my career, even literally on a geographical map

30’s: I spent most of this decade figuring out my passions, working on my career, and the first stages of motherhood

I was so excited to turn 40. It felt like a new chapter, an opportunity to get rid of the stuff I didn’t like in my life, a time to look back and be proud of everything I’ve achieved, plus I’ve never felt more comfortable in my own skin. Michelle told me about the concept of ‘40 for 40.’ You create 40 things you want to do during the year you turn 40 – both big, small, and everything in between. It can be taking up a life drawing class. Going to the doctors to check out that dodgy knee you’ve been avoiding. Flying in a helicopter across the Grand Canyon. Introducing micro-mindfulness to your routine. Sticking to Veganuary (for once). And this isn’t limited to your 40th - it can be 20 for 20, 37 for 37, 45 for 45, you get the drift…

I’m about to turn 41 in February; my new list is a work in progress. I thought I’d share my 41 for 41 list in case it inspired you. When creating yours, think about your past year: what do you want to do more of? What isn’t serving you anymore? What are you feeling excited about? The important thing to take away from this list is to celebrate your wins, big and small. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t ticked off everything you set for yourself that year. The point is to feel positive, empowered, and inspired to take on the year ahead.