Source: Psychologies Magazine April 2024
Introduction
Understanding the Changes
Physical Changes
– Menopause – Looking at it through a different lens
When seeing the word menopause, most women might recoil in terror. Does this mean I’m no longer valid or worthy to call myself a woman? It makes sense to feel that way because when looking physiologically at the term menopause, the hard facts state it as literally losing your reproductive ability and the female hormone estrogen. Now that sounds freaking scary, but let’s look at it from a different perspective. Menopause means that you are now entering a new life as an older woman and that your reproductive duties have been completed (how you wanted it, and that’s different for everyone). It doesn’t mean you are not woman enough anymore; it is just an end to a chapter. Now a new journey begins! The Physiology is just one side of the coin.
– Embracing Body Positivity
Entering your 40s is a huge privilege denied to many. Change your perspective regarding your body and how you feel about it. Yes, your body will indeed change into a more mature form but nevertheless, it remains YOUR body and we should praise it for all it has done for you up until now. It’s God’s gift to you and you should view it as His unique masterpiece created as the beautiful woman you are meant to be. Take care of it and speak of your body with respect and pride.
Embracing the Mind
-Psychology of your 40s
According to Erik Erikson, you are now entering the life stage of generativity vs stagnation, which means you are in the time of your life where you either want to contribute to society somehow or not. This is where you can start fresh and explore new opportunities or passions! There don’t have to be limitations.
Relationships
-Am I still sexy?
Yes, you are! There is something sensual about an older and wiser woman. If you take the necessary steps to take care of yourself the best you can, then you are definitely sexy. Even more so, if you set out to cherish important values such as kindness, integrity, responsibility, compassion, empathy, good-heartedness etc. that is even more beautiful! When considering your life partner and whether he thinks you’re sexy or not should be much more than just appearance to begin with. The partner you have chosen should value you and love you regardless.
This is also the age when friendship becomes more valuable and deeper. You realise what you will and will not tolerate and that is freedom. You thus realise who your true friends are.
Self-Care and Wellness
Prioritizing Health
Embrace your regular checkups! See it as an investment in your body. See the doctors as people with passion and who want you to be as healthy as you can be! Secondly, make sure you take special care with your daily food intake and do moderate exercises. Don’t overcomplicate, keep it simple. Thirdly, check in on your mental health. Do some insight-provoking exercises such as art therapy, and also see a counsellor even for just talking. It’s good to engage in self-reflection! That’s the beauty of being a human being.
Embracing Aging
“As we get older, we want to embody- and share – the wisdom and strength we’ve acquired over the years. And to be taken seriously, we don’t want to look like green teenagers with no life experience- we need to look as though we have lived! If we want to embrace our grey hair and our wrinkles we can! But, likewise, we don’t have to.” – Victoria Woodhall.
“Experience helps us to recalibrate what we ought to worry about and what not to, and so I don’t think twice about whether I look acceptable in something.” – Yasmina Floyer.
“I wear my hair long with the ends dyed green, then cut out the green when I feel like it. I give less thought to what I ought to be wearing and simply allow myself to be the woman I’ve grown into. There is no expiration date on how we choose to express ourselves.” – Yasmina Floyer.
One day if you are lucky, you will look into the mirror and see a face which looks vastly different to the one you have now, and she will still be you.
Embracing the New Chapter!
Pursuing Passions
Turning 40 doesn’t limit your ability to pursue and explore new hobbies! Why not try something new? Something you might have wanted to try long ago, but couldn’t, now you can! Read that mystery novel you’ve never tried, take an art class, learn to play an instrument, do a Boudoir shoot (for yourself or your husband), try surfing, colour your hair etc!
Maybe you even want to consider a new job! Why not change careers? Life is too short to sit in a job you don’t find fulfilling anymore. It’s never too late to go to university/college and start learning again! Get that degree/diploma you’ve never had the chance/courage to complete. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Learn new skills! It’s important to never stop learning. Even if it’s only small things. Learn a new language, bake a cake, try a new hairstyle etc.
Summary:
Embracing womanhood in your 40s is a transformative journey that involves understanding and embracing the changes both internally and externally. It’s about prioritizing self-care, personal growth, beauty, style, and community involvement. By embracing this stage of life with grace and confidence, women in their 40s can empower themselves and others while celebrating their unique journey.
What do you think?
1. How can I embrace aging in my 40s?
2. What are some self-care practices I can incorporate into my daily routine?
3. How can I build supportive connections with other women in their 40s?
4. What are some tips for redefining success and setting new goals in my 40s?
5. How can I navigate changes in relationships with family and friends during this stage of life?