Editor’s note: Camille Styles believes in embracing aging with grace, seeing it not as a concession but as an invitation to growth, pleasure, and unapologetic joy. Although this piece was originally published three years ago, the wisdom shared by the writer at 40 still holds true. Regardless of age, we are constantly evolving, shedding old fears, and stepping more fully into our authentic selves. This story is being brought back to remind us that life doesn’t diminish with time; it expands. So here’s to approaching every chapter of life with confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to owning our happiness.
A former boss once told me: „When a woman turns 40, an upgrade happens.“ Her words resonated deeply with me. I used to believe that life started slipping downhill once you reached a certain age. I was clinging onto my thirties, desperately trying to slow down time to avoid getting closer to the next milestone ending with a zero. (I even kept my age a secret from some friends due to societal judgment fears.) But then, that milestone birthday arrived this year. I turned 40, and something indeed shifted. There was a newfound clarity, maybe even an awakening. My former boss was right; turning 40 truly is the ultimate upgrade.
It took me about six months to fully embrace this life-changing idea. Our rigid, binary views on age are a result of societal conditioning, steeped in a culture where ageism is prevalent. Thanks to social media and societal expectations, there are still narratives suggesting that a woman is „over the hill“ after reaching a certain age. This harmful narrative is both untrue and damaging. As someone who has crossed that threshold and experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say that life only gets better with age.
Scientific research supports my personal experiences. In her new book, The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better Midlife and Beyond, neuropsychiatrist Dr. Louanne Brizendine explains how women’s brains reshape for the better as they age. We begin to embrace our power, authenticity, and purpose, leading to increased happiness.
Now, I operate from a place of self-assuredness and understanding. It’s a complex and surreal feeling, but incredibly refreshing. That’s why I’m sharing six truths that I’ve learned since turning 40. While I have no regrets, I wish I had known these truths a decade ago.
So, regardless of your age, I hope the following insights resonate with you. Here’s to facing 40, 60, or even 100 with fearless abandon and a total commitment to embracing who you are. Und alles fühlt sich großartig an.
Das Fazit
Hier ist, was ich möchte, dass du weißt: Dein Leben ist erstaunlich. Es ist. Es gibt kein anderes Wesen wie dich, das ein Leben wie deins lebt – mit all seinem Sonnenschein und seinen Schwierigkeiten. Das ist ziemlich bemerkenswert. Wisse das, behandele dich gut und betrachte jede Minute. Indem du dies tust, wirst du mehr aus dem Leben herausholen – egal, wie alt du bist.