Girl, Enter Your Forties Roaring: 10 Empowering Ways to Own It!

In my twenties, I couldn't imagine ever being forty. It was unthinkable. Most of our moms were in their forties when we were in our twenties. Forty is for old people; we'd revolt. Yet, we all get to that mythical dystopia someday. For me, that someday is now. But it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

Sure, there are the sneaky hormonal fluctuations, pesky weight gain, downright unnerving anxiety, and feeling misunderstood and unheard. It's a hilly road we women are destined to travel, albeit with an aching back and sleep-deprived - all thanks to a little thing called evolution, during which we (hopefully) become better, more sophisticated versions of ourselves. The fact is, we age, and our mortal bodies deteriorate the older we get. It's simple biology, right? Now try saying that to a forty-year-old woman without risking a slap across your supple, wrinkle-free face.

Like I said, it's not all doom and gloom. Catching a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror or stepping onto a scale shouldn't send our mood into a tailspin. On the contrary, I believe reaching this milestone age is a blessing—the "sweet spot," I like to call it. Getting wiser but not quite aged; sparkly but not yet in our golden years; bossing but a long way from being seniors. Those of us with kids may at this stage get to share the joy of them falling in love for the first time, watch them drive their first car, go off to university, and revel in so many more beautiful firsts and life moments.

As a forty-something woman, not only do you still have a full life to live, but for those of us who haven't already, there is still time to start adopting healthier habits. Habits like exercising, making better dietary choices, and going for that physical and mental overhaul we've been putting off for so long. If we've gone off the track a little, our forties are a sober reminder that although time is fleeting and life is brutal, there is still a whole life ahead of us.

The truth is that this decade can be an incredible time for growth, freedom, and joy if we choose to embrace it.

Here are 10 Ways To Thrive Going Into Your Forties:

1. Connect

Connection is the essence of being human, and yet as life gets busier, maintaining relationships often gets harder. Ironically, this is when we need them the most.

How to connect: Join a meetup group, host regular dinners, or simply commit to calling a friend once a week. Connection keeps us grounded.

2. Move

Movement becomes even more vital as we age, not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being too.

Ideas: Pilates, yoga, dancing, hiking, kickboxing, or simply walking more. Move because you can, and because your body deserves it.

3. Create

Write, paint, podcast, take photos - whatever speaks to your soul. Creating something from nothing is healing and empowering.

Benefits: Creativity reduces anxiety, strengthens memory, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

4. Girls’ Night

Friends are therapy, laughter is medicine, and time with the girls is non-negotiable. Sure, it’s hard to carve out time, but the joy and perspective it brings are worth it.

Benefits: Emotional support, stress relief, and a boost in happiness and self-esteem.

5. Fly Solo

There’s something transformative about traveling alone. Whether it’s a week in Turkey or a weekend road trip, a solo adventure gives you freedom, courage, and clarity.

Benefits: Confidence, cultural immersion, and time for deep introspection.

6. Volunteer

Helping others is one of the most rewarding ways to help ourselves. Giving your time or skills connects you to a bigger purpose and sparks joy in ways money never could.

Benefits: A sense of purpose, better mental health, and a happier outlook.

7. Freelance

Turning your passion into income has never been more possible. Freelancing offers flexibility and freedom. You can start small, alongside your current job, and grow from there.

Benefits: Work-life balance, independence, and financial empowerment.

8. Do It

That thing you’ve been putting off? Now is the time. Learn to play an instrument, train for a marathon, climb a mountain, or yes, finally get those braces (I did!).

Benefits: Builds confidence, challenges you, and keeps you young at heart.

9. Be Curious

Take the course, finish the degree, explore something new. I recently completed my Communications degree after years of balancing work, kids, and even moving internationally - and it was worth every late night.

Benefits: Lifelong learning boosts confidence, broadens your network, and reminds you that you’re capable of more than you think.

10. Be a Bosslady

It’s never too late to start a business, and many entrepreneurs launch their most successful ventures in their forties or later. With digital tools at our fingertips, it's never been more possible.

Benefits: Flexibility, creativity, legacy-building, and a renewed sense of purpose.