[beth4365]

Okay.

So. I'm feeling old and frumpy today. I decided to cheer myself up by posting a question. Everybody keeps telling us it's great to be 40. I disagree wholeheartedly. But, since there isn't much I can do about it I decide to ponder why it's great to be 40 in my life. And, then I wondered about yours.

So Ladies Extrarordinaire... why is it SO good to 40, or in my case, 45? *grumble*

I'll post the question then I'll answer.

[annie175]

You are not 90, that is what is good.

[JessLess]

I don't care as much about what other people think as I used to.

[beth4365]

Okay.

Here goes.

I can ignore my partner's whistling and snoring. (at least most of the time *cheeky grin*)
I have really great friends who know all about me and still like me.
No diapers to change and unbroken sleep.
My spice cabinet is full and so is my health and beauty cabinet.
I have every size of baking dish.
My partner lets me take up all the space in the bathroom.
No body cares what I look like at the gym.
I can afford really good cotton sheets.
I crave wine and brie more than I do candybars.
I don't dread the gynocologist like I did in twenties.
I get to watch television in bed and eat too, if I want!
There is still hope that I'll be fit and fab by fifty.

Okay. These are the ones I could think of for *my* life. Actually, I was going to say that I liked great make up sex but don't have to do the making up anymore, but I don't know how far humor can go here. Guess I just went there anyway. *blush*

Anyway. Why is it good in *YOUR* life to be in your forties?

[beth4365]

Annie, you have a point! *grin*

Hi JessLess! Hm. I still struggle with that one. I wish I didn't care in some cases, but in general I do. Good on you for having a healthy attitude about what others think!

[jigglefree]

I'm 45 too. This has been the best decade.

-I don't care what people think or say about me. They aren't paying bills.
-The alternative to aging is not something I'm ready for right now.
-I do change diapers and have broken sleep...had a baby at 43.
-I'm clear about what I want.
-I'm not bed ridden.
-I don't look old and tired.
-I can workout and eat healthy
-Not many people can have a child at 43, overweight and not have any complications.
- I love the person I've become.

[catherinef]

It's good that I'm hotter in my 40s than I was in my 30s. Seriously, this is a GOOD time of life to lose weight and get fit.

[SilverLife]

This thread looked so inviting I thought I'd pop in. My forties are long gone, but I remember them as being full of life and much more enjoyable than my thirties. Thank you, forties-ladies for being so vivacious and delightful! You are a great blessing!

[caribbeangirl02]

Hello all, beth4365 thx for starting the thread. Interesting topic!!!
I turned 45 this year and must say that I am enjoying this age so much!!
So here is my input:
I have to agree with others, at this age don't care so much what others think of me
I am also much more confident and willing to trust myself and my judgment than when I was 20
I feel much sexier and liberated sexually when I hit 40(just when I though my sexual life was over everything kind of came together for me )
I am with catherinef I am hotter today than in my 30's

somehow my expectations of life, husband, kids and even myself are more realistic

I'm enjoying the present more than ever since it's all I've got

Cheers,

Caribbean Girl

[aaramid]

I remember my fortiest birthday by the fact that the seat of my pants gave out when I went to get into my car. I just knew that the good old days were behind me. So I changed my life. I got a better job so I can buy better pants and treat myself to the things I couldnt afford while I had little ones to raise. Splitting my pants was an eye opener. Time for me.

[mommajen88]

Love this thread.
I am 42 and I like & understand myself more each year!
I am a better judge of character than I was a few years ago.
I have realized my worth and I would never let anyone make me feel small.
All of my experience finally equates to better job opportunities and now that I know what I am capable of, I have turned into a self assured go getter in my field.
After years of being unhappy with my body I am now able to appreciate all the great things my body allows me to do!
I can finally afford the muscle car of my dreams!
I now have room in my house for an office and gym.
I love when babies and kids come to visit and then go home with their parents. (My hat goes off to 40 something parents!!)
I have established relationships that are more fun than work.
I can't wait to see what the future brings....

[ange82much]

I'm 42 and
1) fewer people are asking me 'when are you going to have kids' and are starting to believe me that i really really don't want any!!! (Jigglefree you've got me a bit scared on this one now!)
2) The mortgage is only about a year off being paid.
3) We can afford to do whatever we like (see 1 above!!)

[starbrite]

I'm 43....
I am more confident
I am definitely more liberated sexually
I can wear big knickers without worrying that I should be wearing bottom flossers !
I see fools and don't have to suffer them
I can say when something is not right
I have the assertive power to ask when I want something
I am 100% certain that the most important things in life are my beautiful kids and fab husband.
My friends are ONLY those that I choose
I know I can get this weight burden off with patience and hard work

[beth4365]

Wow...

Ladies... these are all FABULOUS answers.

To be honest, I nearly forgot I made this post. I'm so glad I wandered back in.

A lot to think about in here.

Maybe we *are* getting better!

Thanks to everyone who posted! Best wishes, too!

[Shades]

I'm 47.

The three things I have noticed that are really positive about being in my forties are:

GRATITUDE. I feel so grateful now for the good things I have in my life.

Appreciation. I really value the wonderful people who are close to me.

CONTENTMENT. I feel very happy with my lot in life-lucky and blessed.

Being overweight is the only thing that mars an otherwise lovely age. We do have to struggle that bit harder when we reach this age to lose weight. As I am doing something about that I can only imagine how good things will be when I am also happy with my weight.