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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: 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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

Only Mary Poppin’s was perfect. 

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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

(QUOTE: Maya Angelou)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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.

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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

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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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.

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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.)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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….

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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.

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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!)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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’.

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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)

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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.

mamasVIB | V. I. BABYBRAIN: This is 40! 40 things I've learnt at 40 *Part Two*

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 

2 Comments

  1. May 8, 2016 / 8:06 am

    Amazing quotes love! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I will be joining you next year and defo think as you get older you get a bit wiser! See you soon. Can't wait!!! xxxx

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