This is 40! 40 things I’ve learnt at 40 *Part One*

Well, next month I turn 40 – and I wanted to find a way to mark this milestone birthday.

Yes, I could go and get a dramatic hair cut or splash out on some designer shoes. Book the holiday of a lifetime or finally throw away those scales. 

I admit – all great ideas but really I wanted to mark it with something on here (you can also read about how I feel about turning 40 here)

Something I could look back on in a few years and see how I was feeling/felt at the time. Having a blog allows you to express as much or as little about yourself as you like.

It’s my space – so even if nobody else reads this post – I will have this virtual ‘birthday letter’ to re-read in years to come.

The clearest way for me was to share a ‘little’ about myself was to share 40 things I’ve learnt in the last 40 years. 

They may not be my own words – because isn’t a quote just so much better?

But, they are words I have finally come to understand.

** 40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years – Part 1**

40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years about…LOVE & MARRIAGE

Whether things are going right or things are going wrong – having someone beside you sure helps. 

Shouldn’t we all want these things – never except less than you deserve.

You may have read my post here about being with my partner for 20 years – but this quote possibly sums up everything I was trying to say there. Maintaining a relationship takes work – end of.

I understand now that although not every day has been rosy – we have learnt something everyday. And, everything we have been through to get to where we are is because we did it together. 

Isn’t that the truth? (QUOTE: Audrey Hepburn)

40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years about…FAMILY

I guess I have come to understand this later in life – since having Miss Marnie. We moved when she was a baby and I was so sad about leaving my house – until I realised it doesn’t matter where we live as long as we’re all together that is home.

Growing up I had a complicated family – step parents, siblings, weekend parenting – now I understand it doesn’t really matter what your ‘ideal family’ looks like. It is your family and your story and it’s what makes you YOU.

My ‘roots’ will always be where I was born and grew up no matter what. I may not have lived there for over 20 years but it will always be home. And, as I watched my brothers and sisters all go in different directions I know it’s these roots that keep us grounded together.

I have discovered this even more since creating a ‘family’ of own. (QUOTE: Michael J Fox)

Ain’t that the truth. They may be arguments, disagreements, upset, conflict, sadness but no matter what blood is thicker than water and all that. 

40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years about…STYLE

Having worked in a industry that makes and sets the rules – it’s great to be able to say after years of trying to follow them. Don’t. Rules are made to be broken. (The only thing that will never make me happy is Crocs.)

When I was young I wore things to try and fit in. I remember going to a party once dressed in a hideous outfit that ‘all the kids were wearing’ – I hated it. I never felt comfortable and I never felt like me. Since then I have always tried to dress for myself. In fashion or not. It’s all about style anyway.

This is a good one to bear in mind when you are about to chuck on that outfit from the floor. Dress with pride, dress up because everyday is a gift and who knows maybe you will go out later!

In all honestly I have never been good at wearing trends – especially the fleeting ones. Most don’t suit my shape – I have always tried to dress for me. I would much rather be classy that cheap. (Quote: Iman)

 Sleep on it, walk away from it and then see if you really still want it. I have learnt this in many ways. The hard way. The expensive way. And, the ‘regretted it forever way’. Take it from me this is my top piece of shopping advice.

40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years about…MOTHERHOOD

I feel this everyday and I guess I will for the rest of my life. Motherhood is like a daily test you didn’t ever revise for. (QUOTE: Linda Wooten)

I guess since I’ve been freelance and been a mother at the same time I have had to make this decision on more than one occasion. Hence why I work late into the night.

I am slowing discovering that children learn from what you do, not what you say to them. 

Amen to this. I have learnt this and am still learning this. (QUOTE: Pablo Picasso)

I really hope I’m not doing everything wrong. This is a very much still a work in progress…which I guess it will be everyday.

** READ  40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years – Part 2 SOON HERE **