Ready to be 40 and fabulous!

Next Monday I turn 40. And you know what? I'm excited about the next adventure. Sure, there are elements of getting old that aren't that appealing for (some) women - lines around our face, grey hair, joints creaking and cracking as we walk up the stairs.

But I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a functioning body that is pain-free. I can walk, run (badly), skip, bend down and tie up my shoes, reach up to get a wine glass. I can reach backwards and grab something behind me, carry groceries up the stairs, hang washing on the line. These daily habits are essential movements in our lives.

Have you taken a moment to stop and think about your body? And what it is capable of?

I know for me that Pilates is the glue holding my body together. I love it. And I need it. So for me, my old lady body is being made TODAY. And every day I do Pilates.

I have one client in the studio that I greatly admire - some of you will know who I mean. She's a rockstar at Pilates, plays tennis, active with her grandkids, walks her dog and does so many fun things that I might like to try when I grow up (Art classes. Or maybe pickleball - look it up if you don't know what it is, I had to). But if I don't keep my body moving, these options won't be open to me when I'm in my 70s. We need a strong core and glutes, mobility around the spine and a great range of movement to do many day-to-day activities. And for that reason, I'm so glad I have Pilates as part of my exercise regime.

Now that I've focused on my older self, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self these things. Turning 40 has been a time of reflection and these are some lessons I wish I had been able to tell my younger self.

1. Worry less. You don't always know it at the time, but things have a way of working out. Career-wise, family-wise, relationship wise, health-wise. It's all going to be ok.

2. Spend more time living in the moment. Stop with the lists and thinking about what's next and s-l-o-w d-ow-n. My kids have helped teach me this (they have also added many things to my to-do list!!)

3. Friendships can be for a season, a reason or a lifetime. I have many friends that have fallen into different categories but letting go of toxic friendships is something I wish I learned in my 20s. Your true friends will always be there for you. And also be open to making new friends. We are never too old to welcome new people into our lives.

4. Invest in your financial security. My Dad taught me a lot about spending money, investing in superannuation and making smart choices. I just wish I started a little earlier with share investments! But it's also never too late to start.

5. Money on travel is never wasted (despite number 4 above). I often wondered if I could afford it when I was younger. You will never regret the holidays you take, only the ones you didn't. This was particularly true when I almost didn't go to Seattle this year. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life surprising my bestie for her 40th and it's all because my husband encouraged me to do this for myself.

So here's to being 40 and fabulous! Thanks for being along for the ride, Wellspringers.

What's something you wished you learned earlier? Drop me a line, send me an email or tell me in person!

Till next time, Wellspringers

Love Holly

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