I've been reluctant to comment because I'm actually in my 50s, but I was attracted to this community because my 40s were an incredible decade. I got married at 41, I received my first degree at 43, my daughter was born when I was 44 and started middle school just before I turned 50. My wife and I bought our house when I was 42. I started grad school at 47, the same year my mother passed away. A year later, one of my closest friends died unexpectedly. And in between, I learned my body wasn't that of a 30something anymore.
My 50s have lacked all those milestones so far, though I finished grad school, got a great job and will see my daughter become a teenager. But it's a lot easier to feel like there's more behind than ahead. Thanks to all for sharing parts of your lives, it's been interesting reading.
I'm halfway through, and it's the best time in my life so far. I believe it just keeps getting better and better - makes me look forward to my 50s. Glad you're here and that you're not taking the name of the group so literally that you don't feel welcome to contribute!
Hi I live on a small farm where I raise hair sheep and cannabis plants - it's all done legally here in Oregon. I'm in love with my girlfriend and looking forward to a great 2017.
Hitting 40 at the beginning of this year was, without a doubt, the toughest birthday milestone. I'm nowhere near where I wanted to be by this age. Career-wise, I've weathered hard setbacks and I've been trying to get back on track -- while working other jobs just to pay the bills. It's tough having a "day job career" and a "phantom career" you're trying to pursue on the side.
Rambling.
I'm still coming to terms with "40" and trying not to get too paralyzed by it.
I'm sorry you're feeling blue about it. It's interesting, the way we focus on our failures and shortcomings instead of our successes and talents. Negative thinking is a habit - when you catch yourself doing it, force yourself to think of something positive, to counterbalance it.
I've been reluctant to comment because I'm actually in my 50s, but I was attracted to this community because my 40s were an incredible decade. I got married at 41, I received my first degree at 43, my daughter was born when I was 44 and started middle school just before I turned 50. My wife and I bought our house when I was 42. I started grad school at 47, the same year my mother passed away. A year later, one of my closest friends died unexpectedly. And in between, I learned my body wasn't that of a 30something anymore.
My 50s have lacked all those milestones so far, though I finished grad school, got a great job and will see my daughter become a teenager. But it's a lot easier to feel like there's more behind than ahead. Thanks to all for sharing parts of your lives, it's been interesting reading.
I'm halfway through, and it's the best time in my life so far. I believe it just keeps getting better and better - makes me look forward to my 50s. Glad you're here and that you're not taking the name of the group so literally that you don't feel welcome to contribute!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi I live on a small farm where I raise hair sheep and cannabis plants - it's all done legally here in Oregon. I'm in love with my girlfriend and looking forward to a great 2017.
Hi, I'm Arthur I'm 47, anyone on here from uk ?
Hitting 40 at the beginning of this year was, without a doubt, the toughest birthday milestone. I'm nowhere near where I wanted to be by this age. Career-wise, I've weathered hard setbacks and I've been trying to get back on track -- while working other jobs just to pay the bills. It's tough having a "day job career" and a "phantom career" you're trying to pursue on the side.
Rambling.
I'm still coming to terms with "40" and trying not to get too paralyzed by it.
I'm sorry you're feeling blue about it. It's interesting, the way we focus on our failures and shortcomings instead of our successes and talents. Negative thinking is a habit - when you catch yourself doing it, force yourself to think of something positive, to counterbalance it.