“Life begins at forty” W. B. Pitkin
This blog is extremely special for me in two ways. First – it is my 1001st post and I am blogging since 2008. Second – I guess you might have got the clue! Isn’t it? Yes! I turned 40, my milestone age this month. I don’t know why few people shy away from revealing their true age but I am feeling happy turning 40 and in fact, was eagerly waiting for this moment.
“If life really begins on your 40th birthday, it's because that is when women finally get it….the guts to take back their lives” – Laura Randolph.
What an inspiring quote! But I make sure I am not going to pen down some usual challenges or hindrances of women in this blog post, certainly not a feminist post. I feel, irrespective of the gender differences 40 is the age where we can actually take a break, look back and analyse the path we travelled so far. I am sure that each one of us has great achievements and a terrific story to tell.
40 years – some consider it as an age of maturity. Do you agree? Let us check this list I thought of….
- Should stop singing all latest songs. Oh! I am 40, I can’t dance now, it may look awkward.
- No more novels, movies or adoring celebrities – going to read or spend time only on some spiritual engagements.
- I am getting old and in the middle age group now so it is unorthodox to look presentable with makeup.
- I must start putting up a serious face and sound strict with the children around and have to make everyone obey my orders.
- People must come and personally invite me for their family celebrations, otherwise, my ego will get hurt… I have turned 40!
Come on! Let’s not get into these ‘typical Indian maturity/ageing format’. Maturity has got nothing to do with the way you enjoy your life. I feel it is time for me to dance more, sing louder and get connected with each person who come in my way. I am sure only these things are going to enlighten my life in the coming days.
Then, what is maturity? Everyone has their own understanding of this topic I am just joting down mine.
- Make life simple. First, love yourself and do only those things you want to do. For, enough time is already spent on pleasing people. Some of them will never get satisfied whatever you do for them. Just dust yourself from these petty issues and decide to take control of your life.
- I keep advocating everyone to get involved in their favourite hobbies. Do what gives you meaning in life. Do things which can give you inner peace and self-motivation, be it singing, reading, dancing, gardening, carpentry or anything that which you love to do
- There may be many challenges you might have faced so far. I personally got hurt when I was a little girl by a few people who were 40 then. I have grown old and they too have. Instead of ignoring them, behaving rudely with them or pinpointing their mistakes, it is better to show them how matured a 40 year old can be. Be generous even to the one who had hurt you. Be kind to the younger generation. They only need your acceptance, love and encouragement. It is not fair to show the hatred that we have for someone's parents towards their children.
- Be bold. Take a stand for yourself. Only you know better about yourself hence don’t let others dictate terms to you. Set your own principles. It's absolutely okay if others are not happy about it. It's your life! Live it!
- Discover the purpose for which you are here. Try to touch lives by the way you can. Reach out to people. Spend your life wisely and satisfactorily. This lifetime is so precious and not going to come back again once done. Hence be prudent.
- Some people are always going to criticise you at your back. Those people who gossip behind you are exactly where they belong…behind your back, hence you keep moving forward. Do not take them personally and hurt your inner peace. Your purpose must be to make your life fantabulous.
- Have faith, hope and trust in life. Spread positivity that can help you redefine yourself again and again. People have become so stingy when it comes to motivating their fellow mates, but let us be extravagant in motivating others. Appreciate even the smallest positive thing done by others. Bring smile at least on one person’s face a day.
- Stop counting the birthday gifts you receive and start checking on how many beautiful wishes you receive on your special days. Be reciprocative and thank them. It makes a lot of difference to the quality of life we lead when we mutually share our joy and respect. This is the biggest gift of mankind.
- Finally, let us appreciate whatever we have in our life at this juncture. Be thankful to God for taking you through this wonderful 40-year journey which holds a lot of experiences, lessons and fruitful tips which is going to make the coming years more beautiful and enjoyable.
I can keep adding more points to this never-ending list… I guess I have more time to do that in my upcoming blogs. To sum up - “Grow through what you go through”. It's your life and you are its driver. Plan a clear destination and let an enlightening path be guaranteed by the Almighty.
Have fun! Live your life rather than merely existing!
Drop in your valuable comments. It is because of your support and encouragement I have reached this far. My sincere thanks and humble pranams to my blog followers!
Stay healthy! Stay positive!
Now my journey starts towards my next milestone ‘graceful 60’ !
Now my journey starts towards my next milestone ‘graceful 60’ !
- Suganthi Sankaran
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