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

Well, next WEEK I turn 40 and I’ve been sharing a few thoughts about it here.

I have a weekend away planned with my closest friends and all the kids (how times have changed?) – and we’ve having a 1970’s themed dinner party which I will be sharing on here soon too.

Writing about it here is proving a great way to document my milestone birthday – and a way for me to process if life really does begin at forty!

One thing I have been reflecting on is 40 things I’ve learnt in the last 40 years – you can read part one here.

And, although they may not be my own words – because isn’t a quote just so much better at saying what you mean?

One things for sure – they are words I have finally come to understand now I’m heading towards to big 4 – 0!

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

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

With age comes confidence – and saying what you think comes more easily. This is something I wish I had learnt earlier. Don’t follow the crowd, agree when you don’t agree and try to share your own views always. (QUOTE: Coco Chanel)

Only Mary Poppin’s was perfect. 

I have always believed in doing your best no matter what but love this take on self improvement.

(QUOTE: Maya Angelou)

I have been guilty of this on many occasions over the years but I have learnt – and sometimes the hard way – that focusing on the here and now is where its at.

Then. Now. And possibly forever…aren’t we all winging it somehow?

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

Throughout my working life I have needed some sort of ‘credit’ to validate my work and that I have done a good job. But, as the years have gone by I realised some bosses aren’t capable of giving praise or encouragement. The only ‘credit’ that is worth anything is your own. Do you best – always.

This works both ways. Getting a No or saying No – it really does mean something better is just around the corner (even if it doesn’t feel like it.)

How many times have you been ‘so busy’ but achieved nothing? Focus, make a list and do. I am so much more productive now I’m a mum – I don’t have time to waste. Think about it – how much time did you waste today ‘being I-am-so-busy’? (QUOTE: Tim Ferris)

Wise words. Really we have so much knowledge at our fingertips – the internet for example – never let an opportunity slip through your hands because you really can learn to do anything. 

(QUOTE: Richard Branson)

Ha ha…I wish I had known this when I first started working. Would have saved a lot of time crying in the loos, drinking after work and moaning at the water cooler.

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

The older you get the more you appreciate all those little things. Being able to call day or night, a shoulder to cry on, someone to hold back you hair, lending you money, watching re-runs of Sex & The City….

A true friend love you quirks and all. And, we all have little quirks right? Accepting people for every unique thing about them is true friendship.

Thankfully I have discovered both of these things. Be sure you repay the favour.

Facebook may say you have hundreds of friends but really my ‘handful’ of real friends are all I really need. (You know who you are!)

Those ‘handful’ of friends that I consider my gang and those school friend I still see – I’ve been lucky enough to have known them all 7 years and then some. Here’s to getting old together.

 40 things I’ve learnt in 40 years about… HEALTH & BEAUTY

No cream no matter how expensive will fix bad habits. Looking after your skin inside and out is something I have come to understand. A good cleansing regime, water, SPF, no smoking – all things I continue to work on. (QUOTE: Erno Laszlo)

The older I get, the more I realise the only person that should be concerned about your size and shape is yourself. If you are happier being smaller, bigger, toned – whatever – that is your choice. Do not compare your body to others. Easier said than done I know – but my advancing years has seen me want to be fit and healthy over ‘conforming’.

The power of a good haircut should never be undermined. Over the years I have the good, bad and the ugly – but every time they have been what I needed at that time. I am still waiting for that cut that will change my life now…who knows maybe it will be soon? (QUOTE: Coco Chanel)

You may have read my post here about joining a slimming club. But, no matter what – I take it one meal or one day at a time. That is THE secret. 

Its about making good choices for yourself. Every. Single. Mealtime.

I don’t consider myself a natural beauty – I have my many flaws – but one things for sure I try to make the best of what I have. Everyone has the right to feel attractive, pretty, good looking – I just don’t believe in faking it.

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