Summary

The website content discusses the transformative period of a woman's 40s, emphasizing increased self-worth, confidence, and emotional intelligence that come with age.

Abstract

The article "Life Gets Easier in Your 40's" by Christina M. Ward delves into the personal growth and self-assuredness that women often experience in their 40s. Despite facing significant life challenges such as the end of a long-term relationship and strained family dynamics, the author conveys a sense of resilience and peace. She argues that this decade of life brings a newfound understanding of one's value and the importance of setting boundaries. The piece highlights the shift from people-pleasing to self-respect and the liberation that comes from no longer seeking external validation. It also cites scientific evidence suggesting that individuals in their 40s enjoy a fully developed brain, improved focus, and continued creativity, along with economic stability and lower risks of being crime victims. The author encourages readers to embrace this phase of life with confidence and on their own terms.

Opinions

The author believes that a woman's 40s mark a significant period of self-acceptance and reduced concern for societal expectations.
She expresses that women in their 40s should not apologize for who they are and should stand up for themselves.
The article suggests that it's acceptable for women at this age to prioritize their needs and set boundaries, even if it means distancing themselves from the demands of others, including family.
There is an emphasis on the idea that women in their 40s possess inherent value and should not have to beg for recognition or respect.
The author challenges the traditional notion that women should remain quiet and avoid causing disruption, advocating instead for assertiveness and self-expression.
She points out that reaching one's 40s brings about a peak in cognitive functions such as attention span and creativity, which can continue into the 50s.
The article encourages women in their 40s to celebrate their achievements and the wisdom they've acquired, suggesting that they are now in a position to navigate life on their own terms.

LIFE LESSONS

Life Gets Easier in Your 40's

OK, I know what you’re thinking — but I really mean it.

A little over a week ago, my life completely imploded. My relationship of 10 years came to a sudden end. Two of my 3 children declared they’d never speak to me again. (Because, you know, it’s the woman’s fault, right?) And here I am living at my mom’s and wearing a face mask to chill out and watch tv with her. I have no idea where or how I will find myself living in the coming days.

And it is ALL OK. Why?

Because I am a woman in my 40's — and this makes a big difference.

Something miraculous happens in your 40’s.

Long gone are the teens, where you do all the stupid stuff and hope not to get caught. Long gone are the 20’s when you have no idea your worth and do all the stupid stuff because you don’t know any better. And long gone are the 30’s when you process the guilt for the teens and 20’s.

The 40’s are here.

The time when you stop apologizing to the world for who you are. The time when you know your worth and you stand up for yourself in a way that you’ve never done — and for those who cannot accept it, you give them their space. They’ll come around, eventually.

There’s an unwritten rule about being a woman that needs to be rewritten.

That we need to keep quiet so we don’t cause a ruckus. We wouldn’t want to hurt any feelings, now would we? There’s another unwritten rule that says we have to get along with other people, to the detriment of ourselves, if that’s what it takes.

Women in their 40’s know better.

We know that not everyone will like us, and that’s ok. We know that if we suddenly end up single after a decade of investment in a relationship — that it is ok. We know that even if we are alone, there’s not a damn thing wrong with that. And we know that if our kids, now grown, have a conniption over something, we don’t have to stop everything we are doing and fix it for them.

We can distance ourselves, reasonably, from the wants, the needs, the wishes, the demands of others and set boundaries that we’ve needed to set for years. We ask to be respected, and we do it without apology.

We can care for and love other people — but we’ve figured out how to do it without losing ourselves.

We know that we have value. And if no one else can see it, we aren’t going to beg them to see it. We stand up for ourselves — and it is liberating.

To hell with worry over impressing everyone else while shoving ourselves down and into the box that’s been designed for us. The capacity we have to love others, to serve when we choose to, to listen and to advise, to celebrate and explore, and to truly be ourselves while doing it all — it belongs to us, because we, in our 40’s, have figured some things out.

Need some proof? Best of Life gives us a few science-based reasons to look forward to your 40’s (or celebrate them if you’re already here with me!):

Your brain is fully developed. (Though your memory may be a bit off — am I right?)

According to researchers at University College London’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, the brain’s prefrontal cortex continues to evolve well into our 40s, meaning you can finally enjoy the full benefit of all that learning you’ve been doing for the past four decades. — Best of Life

More confidence and emotional intelligence
More focus and concentration says Psychological Science: “your attention span will reach its peak around age 43, according to 2015 research published in the journal.”
Creativity is still on the rise and can peak well into your 50’s!
You are less likely to be the victim of a crime according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
You are likely smarter with your money and more economically stable at this age.
You are more well-read, well-spoken, and well-educated

And so much more. The 40’s have a lot to offer and even though I am now in the last few years of my 40’s decade — I intend to do this right. Better late than never, right?

It’s never too late to honor yourself and all you have to offer this world. And there’s not a damn thing wrong with doing it on your own terms. Go forth and celebrate your 40's — haven’t you come this far and deserve it? I am asking YOU because no one gets to determine that for you.

You do.

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Christina M. Ward is a poet and well-living blogger from the beautiful state of North Carolina. You can follow her social media or her Author Newsletter.