I wrote a version of this post before, but that was about lessons. Unfortunately, learning isn’t on the agenda today. Instead, I’m just going to rant.
And while I have quite a few months ahead before my big four-oh, I thought I’d get a head start on what I think about turning 40.
Is this going to be a useful post? Probably not. Will it help you find solace? Maybe. What’s most important is the realisation that we’re all on a one-way journey. So we best make fun of ourselves while we can.
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
1. I still look young
I’ve been blessed with a young face. I know that because I’m always misjudged by a decade when strangers play the age-guessing game with me. I remember going back to college at the age of 27 and being asked if I had just graduated from secondary school.
“You’ll be thankful for it,” is what the well-meaning older folks say. And I am grateful. But being Benjamin Button presents its own set of challenges too, career progression being one of them.
It’s hard to find a managerial post with a face like mine. Not only do I need to work harder, but I have to prove myself more when leading a team that looks like they could all be my uncles and aunts.
Maybe climbing the corporate ladder isn’t something I’m built for, just like how I can’t expect to join the NBA being 5’6″.
I’m all for believing in the impossible, but you gotta play to your strengths too, am I right?
I must’ve drank from the fountain of youth and not know it. Photo: Egor Myznik
2. My body is a temple, and it’s crumbling
I used to be a handful as a kid, having picked up smoking at the age of 14. My mother had always pleaded for me to quit, saying: “You won’t feel it now. But you will when you get older.”
I never did care about that, but the recent years have changed my mind. I’ve since quit smoking, but my mother’s words still ring true.
Everything I do has a consequence. I used to be able to get drunk off two cans of beer. Now I need a six-pack to feel a buzz, which also means a nastier hangover for less fun.
The good thing about my rising tolerance is that alcohol has lost its lustre. I’ve since quit drinking too, but now I have a new enemy: sugar.
Overdo the doughnuts and I find myself in a stupor for the rest of the day. Down a sports drink on an empty stomach and I crash an hour later.
What’s next? Having to give up walking because it’s taxing on the joints? I don’t know. But I do know that my temple doesn’t have a handyman, so I best keep its walls pristine.
3. I’m still discovering foreign sensations
I may look young, but my body’s starting to protest in some pretty novel ways.
For instance, every time I wake up at night to pee, I get a weird low-sugar effect once I’m back in bed. I’ve cut my caffeine intake (used to drink four cups a day) and that seems to have remedied the situation. But never in 40 years did I think I’d find nighttime peeing such a taxing experience.
Then there are the aches that stretch from my butt to my ankle. Or weird bouts of vertigo. Or funny boils that pop out of nowhere.
I miss my youthful days when health concerns were the last thing on my mind. My only priorities involved gaming and getting high, and they didn’t include weird bodily symptoms. Today, I could be all fine and dandy one moment, then feel a tickle in my chest the next.
Living is weird.
4. I’m falling out of fashion
I’m almost bald at the crown of my head, the wrinkles around my eyes are setting in, and I already have a grey hair or two. All the physical signs of ageing have now been bestowed upon me. And it’s time for me to carry the torch of the middle-aged man.
Because of this, I’m no longer looking forward to the next fashion trend. My pair of Doc Martens fit me differently now than when I could rock my skintight jeans.
I’ve traded my USD 30 salon haircuts (I was a hairdresser, after all) for USD 2 barber cuts. I have ten similar black tees that I wear daily.
To me, the biggest fashion statement I can make now is to remain fit, hygienic, and kind. The clothes are just accessories.
Can’t help feeling like a Basic Bob sometimes though.
My fashion choices dwindle with each passing year. Photo: NordWood Themes
5. I’m accepting acceptance
The older I grow, the more data I have to base personal decisions off of. Which means that I’ve stopped resisting my personal tendencies.
For instance, I’m no longer banking on that big literary break or wishing for that lottery windfall. I know what my daily baseline is, so I don’t waste my time hoping that the morrow brings miracles and fairy dust.
If I want things to change, I have to first make that change. Not an exciting prospect, sure, but it’s empowering to accept yourself for who you really are, warts and all.
I’m inherently negative, so that means I’m not going to wake up all smiles and rainbows. That, I have to earn. And my paths to contentment involve completing tough projects and taking good care of myself.
It took me 30+ years before coming to terms with my introverted self. And that’s just one of the many other facets of my life I wish to accept. Maybe when I turn 50, I’ll accept that it’s okay to not be liked.
I wonder how old I’ll be before I stop caring what other people think.
Ageing isn’t regressing
Despite these tiny little rants, I have to say that I’m currently in the best shape of my life, both physically and mentally.
Go back twenty years and tell me that I’d someday care for my own health and I’d probably ask you for whatever it was you were smoking.
But here I am, learning as the years pass, that age is just a number. And if I’m feeling this good at 40 compared to 20, I have a feeling that 60 is gonna be bitchin’.
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Your Friendly Malaysian Writer 
Happy early 40th birthday! My husband turned 40 last month, and I think he agrees with many of your points; he is also blessed with a young face and still gets carded at bars. :D
I think acceptance is the big one that seems stronger each year– that and self confidence. I know much more about who I am at 35 than I did at 25 and feel better about the direction I’m heading. Like you, I’m not sure if I’ll ever not care what people think, but I’m more comfortable being my weird self around people than I ever was in my 20s.
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Haha, getting carded at bars really is an achievement at 40. But yeah, same here. I am definitely still at risk of getting carded, lol.
Youth brings about so much self-doubt, don’t you think? That, and the crazy desire to fit in. Now I think back and wonder why I was so adamant on getting those baggy jeans, then skinny jeans, then the latest mobile phone, and the best haircut when I was a young adult. Seems like a fruitless pursuit now that I look back.
Love your comment. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
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I still look young , currently me @ 26 and back in college , a rollercoaster of comments , emotions and perceptions since highschool.
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Lol it is quite an experience going back to college at an older age, isn’t it? Wishing you a great time there, and that this path will take you towards an amazing future!
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Thankyou
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I’ll be turning 32 in January, but man, if I could get back all those years spent in insecurity and self-doubt, I wouldn’t mind lol
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I wish I could’ve done a few things differently too. But maybe that time spent doing ‘less-optimised’ things is exactly what we need to guide our decisions today :P
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This is a great read!
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And I appreciate you for taking the time to leave this comment!
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The thing I appreciate about getting older is that, without even trying, I’m just more chill about stuff. It’s like wisdom just sets in and all you have to do to get it is keep marching through time. Stuff that used to make me go apeshit now just makes me go, “Meh, whatever.” I quite like that. The greying hair? Not so much, but I live with it.
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I’ve been thinking about exactly this. I feel like I’m a better partner now, especially comparing to 10+ years ago when we’d just met.
I used to react to the tiniest things, and I’ve since become ‘meh’, realising how trivial I was sometimes.
So I totally relate with what you’re saying. Thanks so much for this!
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You’re welcome, and I’ve got a good 10 years on you, so I can safely say it only gets better!
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I had a really hard time when I turned 30 I was so caught up on what I had not achieved or what society says I should have. But, not sure how I will react turning 40. It was good to read your take and looking younger than you are is always a bonus. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
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I still am caught up with the society thing sometimes, especially because 40 is an age where you’re supposed to be set both for your career and your family. Then again, life is a continuous journey, so best to live with the only thing we’re promised: the present.
Love seeing you here, Lauren!
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Definitely it is an individual journey too, there are no rules!
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Trust me when I say it doesn’t do any good to rely on society’s opinion of what you should have done by a certain age. All it does is make one think less of themselves and life’s too short to not enjoy it. You do what works for YOU, and f@&k society. Just my opinion, of course. :)
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A great opinion to have!
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Such an honest and beautiful piece Stuart!
There’s this raw beauty about growing, i feel, precisely post 30. The beauty of realising the organic sync between our inward & outward and what the mind, body and heart’ seeks and aches for, and which further fuels our conscious efforts around it, the mindfulness around it.
I liked your dressing sense, especially the boot, seemed my kind of boots! 😀
Keep enjoying the young You. At 40 and ahead. We’re here to grow. Getting old? Naah! 😉
Wish you good health and spirit. ✨
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Lol, can’t beat Doc Martens for sure. But I’ve been noticing a slow transition into slip-on shoes. Maybe my practical side is emerging as I age further.
I really appreciate your lovely comment, and the fact that you took the time to craft such a thoughtful message. Thanks for the kind wishes, Naman!
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If you want to not wake up in the middle of the night to pee, don’t drink or eat anything 4 hours before bedtime. I’ve been doing 6 hours.
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Not eating is easy, but I love my nighttime tea enough that I guess it’s a good tradeoff. Maybe next time when I need to pee multiple times a night I’ll stop drinking before bed.
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What a great post! I think you are right about acceptance. There might be negative aspects of growing older, but accepting yourself and knowing exactly what you like and don’t like are definitely positives. And in the big scheme of things, 40 isn’t really old – people reach 90+ years these days… ;-)
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Yep. I’ve been seeing stories of Mike Fremont running marathons at the age of 90 and have to say that I’m super impressed by what the human body can do. So yeah, still lots of time ahead. But also, I’ll need to make sure I don’t take any of this time for granted!
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Yes, age is only a number Stuart. (And you’re telling me I’ve gone completely senile…lol!)
I’ve got over a decade on you, and move a little slower (okay, maybe a lot slower some days), but being grateful for what I can do helps. And, just because I’m having a hard time getting down on the floor to play with my granddaughter, I have found a workout routine I might actually be able to stick to. And it’s not going to cause me to break a hip or anything (unless I fall on my ass when I’m jogging in place).
You’ve given up bad habits, and have started good ones, so kudos to you. On the same note, I have more bad habits now than I did when I was younger. :D
Keep learning and growing as a person and you’ll fit right into that younger you look. (I wish I had that problem…lol!)
Nicely said Stuart. Always a pleasure to read your posts, and there’s always a giggle or three in them which makes my day.
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It’s so hard to write humour, and I love writing humour, but I’m always afraid I won’t be able to pull it off. But it’s comments like yours that make me feel that everything’s worthwhile and that I’m on the right path. Always glad to hear that you’d gotten some giggles out of it.
That’s so cool that you found your own unique routine! Most people don’t even get that, and have to resort to the cookie cutter home routines or what have you. Reminds me of the Jane Fonda VHS days—a template that most people couldn’t do.
Lol, what’s one example of a bad habit you’d picked up that you didn’t when you were younger? Mine would be added screen time. Those danged phones.
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I hate to admit it, but I do drink more than I used to. Not excessively; just have a couple almost every day. I’m sure if I leave it alone the extra calories in the pop won’t go straight to my hips. And no, I am NOT switching to diet pop. Blech! It makes the rum taste funny. LOL!
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Happy 40th birthday, Stuart! I’m so glad I came across your post. Although I’m yet to reach my forties, this was such a pleasant read. I particularly like the area where you said “it’s empowering to accept yourself for who you really are”. This is a great reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the parts that we consider negative or undesirable about ourselves. Thank you for sharing!
Maria
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Accepting who I am is one part of the puzzle. I’m still waiting to start ignoring what other people think, which is slightly harder, lol. What a lovely comment to read. Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m glad you came across the post too :)
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I like to keep people guessing my age, but you’re right that they simply don’t take you seriously if you’re young. You hit both ageist and heightist stigmas in your descriptions. :/
Not caring -erm- caring less what people think is amazing. I would’ve loved caring this little and still being young and healthy.
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Happy 40th bro :) I turn 48 in a little over 2 months. Wisdom is a good thing. I happily trade it for the foolishness of my youth :)
The acceptance note keeps you young, energetic and ironically, positions you to succeed even more than you expected. Accepting your life as it is in the moment removes expectations. Letting go expectations usually precedes greater worldly success but also positions you to be free. Neat side effect of accepting what is versus resisting and creating all types of problems through your force.
Ryan
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Isn’t it interesting how smart we thought we were when we were younger? And I know I’ll discover the stupid things I’m doing today when I turn 60.
Weirdly enough, my biggest lesson on acceptance came from riding a rollercoaster. It was there that I learned if I tensed up and resisted, it’d feel much worse than if I just let go and went along for the ride.
Nice seeing you, Ryan!
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Neat you mention this my friend; I learned the same thing experience turbulence on the plane. Any time it really dips, when I am relaxed and go with it, the stomach in the throat feeling is fine. When I tense it, it feels horrible.
Ryan
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Even though I’m far from reaching my forties, what you say still resonates with me ahah Many times I wish I could go back to being younger (I had a very peaceful and event-less youth) to experience some things that I feel “too old” for now, but then I remember that I’ve always been somewhat of an old soul and that as I grow older, I accept myself more and more – which is something younger me would have dremed of! Something that I’ve repeated myself a lot recently is also that “growing old is a privilege”, and all the negative aspects of getting older seem less important!
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I love that outlook. Being alive is a privilege in general, so that’s a nice perspective to have. To be fair, I wish I had taken more chances when I was younger, especially with my MMA and rollerblading pursuits. I could still do those things for fun, but the actual prime for doing them seriously has passed.
I’m currently wondering if I’m not doing anything in my 40s that I may regret in my 60s.
Lovely comment, Juliette!
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Well, this is an interesting post.
That is one common thing that we might have. I mean, some colleagues are the same age as me…but others always say that I look a few years younger than my actual age…or a baby face, or something like that. I was thinking…that maybe I consume some things that they don’t.
It is still a shock that you are close to 40.
The fashion part triggered me to share this link. It is like a…Clown Watch, that I plan to buy next month.
https://shopee.com.my/jam-tangan-lelaki-men's-watch-original-multifunctional-waterproof-watch-analog-quartz-watch-sports-watch-stainless-steel-black-watch-luxury-luminous-casual-genuine-chronograph-i.181996437.4905141839
Now that I have just finished reading your post, I only have one reason to agree with the saying that ‘Age Is Just A Number’…
…and that is because I did meet a man who is above 60 but who was in a really good physical shape. I know that his diet is different and he does workout. I don’t know about the rest.
That experience just taught me that, if people blamed their age (being old) for their illness…it is actually due to how they took care of themselves.
In my case, it might be difficult at the workplace…so do it when I am not there…after work, or something.
Good Night (2320 now)
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Lol, the pros and cons to having a baby face. I wonder how long this feature will last, as in until how old before the effects will disappear.
That’s an interesting watch. You do have a knack for finding interesting items on Shopee.
Age is just a number indeed, because I’ve met ‘old’ people who aren’t necessarily mature.
But yeah, no matter how old we are, it’s always a good idea to take care of ourselves, because those bad habits really do add up.
Good night (or good morning as I’m reading this)!
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My takeaway from your blog – To me, the biggest fashion statement I can make now is to remain fit, hygienic, and kind. The clothes are just accessories.. really find this statement meaningful and insightful….
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In previous decades, all I cared about was if I looked cool. I think these new fashion points are a more sustainable way to approach style. Now I just need to adhere to them :P
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Happy Birthday, Stuart. Forty isn’t old at all. Don’t exaggerate in your mind the weird aches and sensations. I think some people wanna be old. Me, I want to be young, so I think young.
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You’ve got a point there. Maybe this Benjamin Button thing has got me secretly wishing I was older. But then again, I’m in no rush now, because 40 years sure did go by in a jiffy!
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Firstly, congratulations on turning 40 in a few months from now Stuart, hope you will enjoy your birthday🎂. Back to this post, I like the way you have mentioned the reasons why you are grateful for reaching the 40 year climax and I wish you all the best in this new chapter you are about to embark.
I can assist you with the falling out of fashion part😂 , I am a Fashionista and I am 23 years of age so I know what men can wear even in their 40s to look young.
This is a very nice post🔥🔥🔥🙏
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I’m excited to what lies ahead too, lol. And yeah, I should probably seek out some fashion advice, but recent WFH arrangements and my lack of social events have turned me into a ‘black tee every day’ type of guy, lol.
Thanks as always for your continuous support!
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Happy 40th birthday! I’m glad to hear that despite some things, you’re feeling your best mentally and physically!
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Always a privilege to be able to feel my best, that’s for sure. Thanks for your lovely wishes!
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This had me giggling. You only have a grey hair or 2?! I’m a few years younger and have more than 2. If growing older means becoming more comfortable with yourself and a more simplistic life, that sounds good to me. Happy birthday!
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I can’t believe how much my perspectives have changed today than when I was 20. Never expected to not care about so many things I thought were sooo important. This makes me curious about how I’d think when I reach 60. Thank you for the wishes!
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The most down to earth people are those who are very very young or older.
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Looking good at 40, Stuart and congratulations on an additional year of wisdom. At age 62, your point about not worrying so much about what other people think rings loudest for me.
Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
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Does that mean I have to wait till I’m 60 to stop caring? I don’t mind getting to that point sooner, to be honest :P. It can be burdensome living for others, so I guess I gotta get to the bottom of my people-pleasing tendencies. Thanks, Kevin!
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Stuart, we should always care about the next person no matter our age. I’ve found that as time clicks forward, I’ve become more comfortable in my own skin. Concern with what people think of my idiosyncrasies is of less importance.
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I have to stay Stuart, when I read your posts it’s literally like we are having a conversation in person!! I really enjoy them.
Thanks for always being so real in your writing. I’m already having pains from my butt to my ankle so I’m not too sure how I’ll feel in the future but here’s to “age is just a number”! ✨🙌🏾
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Aww thanks for the kind words! I do try to be real indeed, because that’s all I have, mostly :P
Gah, it sucks if you have it. And it may sound like sciatica, but I’ve narrowed my own problem down to hip bursitis. It’s the first time I’m feeling this. The weird sensations you get as you age, eh?
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Tbh I think you’re still living in youth since I even thought you might be somewhere mid 30s but never 40. Idk whether you believe it or not that we’re karmic beings so there’s possibility of reincarnation.
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It’s mentioned in Buddhism and also I read in the book “Autobiography of a yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda. My fact is age is a number so we can still learn, unlearn and relearn things for both this lifespan and for the coming one after death.
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well I might sound hilarious representing Gen Z but with Buddhist religious influence, I have this thought that no matter if I couldn’t accomplish something super serious in this lifespan but I’m gonna train myself the necessary skillset to achieve it in next birth.
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I turn 64 in two weeks, so all of this is relatable, though if memory serves me right (no sure bet there these days), things weren’t falling apart yet. Now, physical ailments are there much more frequently. (How did I pull a muscle while sleeping?) I’ve got an arthritic knee and back, and one of my hips occasionally flares up. Nearly all my friends have had or are about to have a knee, shoulder, or hip redone. That part is depressing.
The flip side (the one I’m embracing) is because of my age; I don’t have a lot of time to waste finding my courage. I just go for it now. That’s something new for me in the last five years, and I must admit I like myself better this way. I wish I had found this fearless attitude years ago, but better late than never. I guess that’s my way of saying it’s not all bad. I finally started taking care of myself in the last five years (which is ridiculous when I think about it), and that’s made a difference in my overall mental and physical health. You’re not even to the crest of the hill yet, buddy.😎
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Judging solely from your pics, I never expected you to be past 60 if it weren’t for your posts on retirement. You definitely look younger. Should I credit exercise? :P And it’s interesting how quickly we can change for the better once we start taking care of ourselves, isn’t it?
That’s so cool that you have the ‘go for it’ attitude now. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. You can only truly get into that mindset by not having much time to waste. Maybe it’s impossible to feel that way sooner. Or maybe I’m just theorycrafting here.
Thanks so much for your supportive comment, Pete!
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40, odd, I turn 64 in 40 days….and have no idea how to act 64..which is scaring me….I want to be 18 again….
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Ah, you’re the exact same age as Pete, who’s also on here. You know, I actually still feel like 18-year-old me. Maybe not as springy as before, but I don’t think I’ve changed much apart from the age thing, lol. Thanks for stopping by!
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Happy 40th birthday (in a few months) Stuart.
Enjoyed this post. Your perspective on this milestone in your life is interesting!
Answer to your question, ” I wonder how old I’ll be before I stop caring what other people think,” is it will happen over a period of time and when you are ready.
This is my light-hearted take on aging:
A wise soul said “Age: if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”
I believe, Age does matter
If you mind all the wonderful things that come with it!
When you are a child, age doesn’t matter
But, you mind the gifts you get.
When you are a teenager, age doesn’t matter
But, you MIND how you look and sound
When you are in your twenties, age doesn’t matter
But, you mind that you are no longer a teenager
When you are in your thirties, age doesn’t matter
But, you mind your career prospects
When you are in your forties, age does matter
But, you don’t mind because your life is supposed to begin
When you are in your fifties, age does matter
But, you mind your health, and looks and stop caring what others say.
When you are in your sixties, age doesn’t matter
Because, finally, you don’t mind being you!
After sixties, all that matters
is your wonderful mind!
Best wishes
Chaya
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Wow, what a lovely take on ageing! I’m thankful you shared that, Chaya. But based on that, I guess I should wait till I’m 50 till I stop caring? That’s what Amanda said too. So I guess I’ll let you both know a decade from now. Thanks for your lovely words!
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Stuart, you will stop caring when you are ready. There is no definite age. All of us like to be liked but, as I get older I have realized that I can’t please everyone at the cost of always displeasing myself. So, I am happy with a handful of true friends.
Best wishes.
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I love this line, “To me, the biggest fashion statement I can make now is to remain fit, hygienic, and kind.” All I’ve got to say is that if you are this wise at 40, you are well ahead of the curve. So happy birthday when it comes! Thanks for sharing your aches, pains, life lessons and perspective!
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And I loved that you loved it, because I wasn’t sure that anyone cared that I was turning 40. And I appreciate you taking the time to comment as always, Wynne!
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Congrats on turning 40. Sounds like you have a good handle on aging. Personally I skipped 40, don’t even recall that milestone. Now turning 50 was a really big thing for me and tbt seems like a distant memory. I was sooooo excited – really, it’s a big deal. Have fun and enjoy.
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I definitely do have my moments of regret (like not being able to pursue certain sports anymore) and pondering on my mortality as well, but life is what we make it, eh? Here’s to taking the time to celebrate more of life’s milestones!
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Enjoy 40, it only goes downhill from here 🤣🤣. Just kidding, life is what you make it.
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Lol, to be fair, I actually am being grateful for my days now that I know we’re all on a one-way trip in time. Makes me appreciate the temporal nature of things.
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Thanks for sure, speaking from experience, we do get smarter as we get older…sometimes!
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For a minute I thought you were gonna say you decided to go trans by the picture.. It’s a great look or would be but your coloring would be off, you’d have to dye your hair and get the right color of make up.
Baby face is right Stuart and glad you’re feeling better than ever baby face. who’d a thunk you were over 21. 40 is a big one for some reason. Wow, I’d a never guessed you a smoker but I like your mom and glad you quit. We need your great posts and humor always.
Make sure you fill us in and happy almost birthday Stu!!!
💞
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Ha. I kinda like the silver fox look though. Yeah, I feel like I’m treating 40th just like my 18th. Feels like a milestone to me for some reason. I’m glad I quit too. Best decision I ever made in life. Partly because my mother got to see me quit before she passed. Thanks for the kind wishes, Cindy!
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Good you’re having fun with it!!
Awww that’s such a gift to your mom!
You’re always welcome!!💕💕
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This made me smile. The older I get (I’m a lot closer to 60 than 50, and 40 is a distant memory), the less it matters. It’s all in how you choose to look at things. We’re all on a one way journey, no matter how hard we fight it, so why bother fighting it?
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‘One-way journey’ is exactly how I’m looking at it too! I’m so much more thankful for today, knowing that I’ll never get it back and that I’m on my one-way journey towards my death. Does put a lot of things into perspective.
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Thank you for this, Stuart. You have a great attitude and I’m adopting the same about my upcoming 60th birthday.
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I used to be fearful about turning 30. But then I look back and realise that I had the privilege of living for another decade. When I turn 40, I’ll have another decade till I turn 50. Then another. Then another.
Who knows? We could be like Mike Fremont who runs marathons at the age of 100 and calls it the best years of his life.
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Doubtful that I’m going to turn into a marathoner when I’m 100 (since I don’t do long distance running now), but I am still running and consider that a win! Let’s go, us!
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Happy birthday Stuart when the time comes.
I feel your pain … but for me … not sure if it was an age (57 this year) or something clicked and the realisation set in thst I’m getting old … and the resistance I felt towards that … im more settled now, but I didn’t want to be old … I didnt see myself in that grouping and it really freaked me out. This year has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I guess I could have gone into denial, but I just faced up to the new realities. The physical changes I’m adjusting to. Determined,like yourself to look after myself as I want to be fit and healthy enough when I eventually retire to get out and enjoy life.
I’m sure you’ll get there, Stuart. Don’t be too hard on yourself 😁
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Ageing does creep up on you, doesn’t it? I didn’t realise it, but certain competitions and jobs are not available to me anymore because of my age group. And the year I have to select when filling forms online goes further and further back.
But age is just a number isn’t it? In many ways, I still feel like young me. Just older :P
Being fit and healthy is always a great goal though, no matter what age we’re at. So it’s cool you’re doing that. Hope you’re okay now and done with your emotional rollercoaster? Hugs.
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I think you’re right, age is just a number and I’m not going to let it define me. I do think I’ve got to the end of the rollercoaster ride. I’ve accepted where I am and ready to move forward. The key thing is to enjoy life now rather than let it disappear while I fret.
Have a great day Stuart 😀
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Hey Stuart. Yes, 40 is all that. How old until you stop caring what people think? Around 50. And yes, you’re right about turning 60, too 😉😂
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I’m going to have to hold you to that. Will report in 10 years whether or not I’ve stopped caring what other people think :P
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And by then, I can tell you about being 70. Yikes!! 😳😂
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It is always interesting to read such articles, unfortunately, the old folks who are writing any blogs don’t start writing these until they’re in their 60s.
I often wonder to myself, how would I be, and what would I be once I reach 40, 60, or 80 (if I’m lucky.)
I do know that if I ever reached my 80s, I would like to be known as that one guy who wrote tons of blog posts and web serials, and leave a great legacy of sorts behind through my work. I’ve already started on the blog post front, and I’ll start the web serial front next year.
As for money? Can we please not talk about that? The mere thought is enough to make me depress.
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Lol. I feel you on the money front. Let me just say that my foray into fiction has netted me negative results instead of breaking even. Still wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Not to say that blogging or web serials are lucrative either, but if the fire is within us, then it’s up to us to stoke it, am I right? The worst thing we can do is to ignore that calling.
Here’s to ageing gracefully!
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((cyberhugs)) I’m old; 40 is a hazy recollection of career angst & personal life panic. Everyone “does” age differently. I’d just as soon not go thru it, tbh. But yes – the self-knowledge & self-acceptance thing is good. And an aging body is great for supplying excuses for this introvert to avoid gatherings & social expectations. Wooohoooo! Freedom from peopling!😂 ….. I hope you have a lovely birthday! 🎉🥳🎂🎊
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I’m only just coming to terms with my introversion. Hopefully I can lean into it more as I age :P
I think we do share some similarities in turning 40, in that my career’s in a wonky place right now, and I still have a lot to figure out.
But on the flip side, I’m healthy and that’s a pretty good thing to have.
Thanks for your lovely wishes!
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Right there with you in the best physical and mental shape part. I sometimes wonder what my high school self would think of me doing two martial arts. She’d probably be shocked that I could grow up to be cool.
I’m also an introvert, but still wish I weren’t. It would make life easier and probably more fun. I do care less about what people think of me, but not completely because not caring at all would be a bad thing. I started dying my hair and using eye cream this past year. A 20-something in my JJ dojo blurted out, “Did you change your hair? It looks lighter.” The little punk.
It’s great to be self aware. I wish I were taking aging as well as you. Although, I think, culturally, it’s easier on men than women, and that sucks. Women get older. Men get more distinguished. 🤷♀️
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Yeah, couple the men thing with me looking young, and you have a wine that just won’t age. I definitely ain’t complaining :P. I might one day wake up looking like Mr. Miyagi though, so who knows?
I myself am actually embracing the power of introverts. Sure, it sucks to not be able to mingle as much as I want, but I feel that the upsides is that I’m creative during my alone time, which is a lot of the time—which means I get to be creative a lot.
You’re super quick this time around, eh? And Tom from Purple Haze just read my BJJ post thanks to you. So I’ll go ahead and tell your high-school self that 2022 Betsy is a cool one indeed!
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I like to think I’ve gotten better looking with age, like a fine wine. 😉
Yes, alone time is good for creative productivity, to be sure.
Yay for connecting with Tom! He’s been a great encouragement for me.
High school Betsy thanks you for the compliment. 😁
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All the best and congratulations on soon to turn 40. As I always tell my husband who turned forty this year, staying healthy and eating well are what you can gift yourself after turning forty.
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Staying healthy and eating well are good things for any age, but they become much more valuable after 40 for sure! I never reacted to sugar so badly when I was younger, so that’s interesting. Thanks for your lovely wishes!
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True….
You’re welcome ☺️
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Here is the view from 60, Stuart. The hair and aching joints don’t get any better, but you throw off the shackles, enjoy life more and care less. Sixty is the new forty, so enjoy your forthcoming twentieth. 🙌
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That’s actually a great thing to hear. Am looking forward to that unshackling thing.
Regarding the hair, I actually wonder how I would’ve fared as a hairdresser had I stuck to it. I don’t have the head shape to go full Jason Statham, nor would I look stylistically inspiring with fuzz on the sides and back, lol.
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You could create a new trend, Stuart.
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Super love. The photo, the writing, and everything. I think I am in love with your writing.
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Wow, that really is a kind thing to say. I appreciate you for this!
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I gotta agree with point No. 1 — you don’t look 40 at all! More like around early 30s or something haha! But yeah, keeping yourself fit does contribute to you not looking like your age.
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I think that’s how us Asians age. We look fine for most of our lives then we wake up one day being super old. Like Jackie Chan. Ha.
Yeah I gotta credit fitness for a lot of things, that’s for sure.
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Man, this reminds me the day I turn 40. I kid you not Stu when I tell you that the very morning I turned 40, I got out of bed the way Mark Ruffalo probably tried to get out of the Hulkbuster Iron Man suit in Infinity War! 40 felt like the new 80!! Ouch!! So be warned brudder. But the good news is that when I turned 50 two years ago, I didn’t feel too different. Maybe 40 truly is the mid point. Anyway enjoy your 4th decade on God’s green earth and keep spinning your wonderful nuggets that entertain and educate us all so richly every week pal. Viva la 40!!
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I’ve definitely noticed a ‘start up time’ to warm up in the mornings. I can’t just wake up and walk around like I used to. Granted, half of those aches are probably caused by jiu-jitsu. But I have to say, for the rest of the day, I’m as strong as can be. Now I just need to make sure to maintain the healthy habits religiously.
Here’s to ageing well, and I sure do hope I get to continue putting out work until my dying days!
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