Life Begins at Forty

I had a wonderfully carefree childhood and a relatively easy adolescence despite the fact that I experienced war at the age of sixteen. Thinking positive, this helped me to mature a lot. I was only 18 when I met Alkis in Switzerland. I was a cheerful, plump girl then but this did not prevent Alkis from giving up on his gorgeous Swiss girlfriend and ask me out. In my mid-twenties, I married  my Prince Charming. And I'm very glad to be with him now- almost 30 years later- despite some rocky times we've been through. 

In my mid thirties, I lost my mind! I started feeling insecure about me, about my body. As a result I became obsessed with working out. I'd never miss a gym class then - whether that was body pump, body attack (high impact aerobics) or combat. I only hated dancing such as latin dancing or jazz. It took me two years to realise how silly I was!

At forty, I realised my blessings: a husband who ...still loves me no matter how I look, my mum and my brother who are always there for me, and, most importantly, I did not feel insecure. I still go to gym classes and enjoy them when and if I can.  It's pretty much like blogging, you know. 

In 1932, the American psychologist Walter Pitkin published the self-help book Life Begins at Forty. Pitkin stated confidently:

Life begins at forty. This is the revolutionary outcome of our New Era. Today it is half a truth. Tomorrow it will be an axiom.

At fifty something, I can enjoy pancakes and ice cream with no guilty feelings. And I never skip lunch or dinner however big the pancakes are!

 

Comments

[Christina]

At almost 35, I'm still single and not looking, I have a great job with flexible working hours, lots of friends and a positive outlook on life. I used to be far more insecure in my twenties than I am now.

[Lakis Ioannou]

I think women worry about their age a lot more than men. In their teens they try hard to look older and once they turn 40 they do everything they can to look younger! Well...women are still a mystery to me! :-)

[Karolina]

Since I turned 30 last March, I feel much better with myself. I am more confident, more sociable, more productive at work. I no longer worry about little, unimportant things, I have dreams and ambitions and , generally, enjoy life to the fullest. As a teenager I was quite revolutionary and reactive and argued with my parents all the time about what I now consider unimportant things. Just as Lakis said, I wanted to look older, I would use heavy make-up when I went out with friends and wear high heels - that was one of the arguments I had with my mother!!

[Laura]

Haven't read that book. I'll put it down on my reading list.

[Andy]

According to The Telegraph (Dec 2000), the belief that life begins at forty is a myth!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/1378861/Life-begins-at-forty-and-dont-you-forget-it.html

[Stefania]

I am not sure if life begins at 40 or not, I just think that we enjoy life in a different way at 20 or 30. Every age has something positive and something negative.

[Anastasia]

I couldn't agree more. Every age has its pains and its pleasures.
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[Jean-Paul Bouvier.]

La vie est belle à n'importe quel âge.

[Haruko N]

I'm in my late twenties, yet I often feel much older. Maybe when I'm 40 I will discover what I really want in life. Now, I'm a bit confused. I can't say I enjoy being 25+, I often feel we can't control life or know what lies ahead. Beautiful post, thank you Anastasia.

[Jim]

As Helen Rowland said: “To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.”

[Gary Yarbrough]

I think you look fantastic, and happy a very good combination

[Kofla Olivieri]

Congratulations on your almost 30th years with your Prince Charming! My life started going downhill after 40, lol just kidding!

[Constantinos T.]

You look lovely in both photos. It looks like time has stood still with you.

[Lisa A]

Buonasera Anastasia. The day I was 40 was a very terrible day for me. I was in a bad psychological mood. I didn't wanted to have a party or invite my friends and my family out. I was feeling like an old ugly woman. But my husband and my children helped me so much to get out of this. My 40 crisis last for 3 years. Then slowly-slowly, I started to look at all the good things in my life like my beutiful family, my work, my art exhibitions. I became more creative in art and had great inspiration like I never had when I was younger. So yes for me life begin at 40 because I had not only the success and the recognition as painter but also I started to discover new hobbys, new interests like blogging and also like reading books not only about art but on history, literature, politics. I even start to love my wrinkles!!! :-)

[Alexia M]

At 36, I feel great! But I hope that at 50 I will be as productive and as dynamic as you are now at 50 something, my dear friend. Have a great weekend!

[Jeff]

"In the year 2006...young is IN! Everybody's into looking young these days! There are four categories of age in America. They are: 1) the young; 2) middle-aged; 3) the old; and 4) my, but you're sure looking good these days!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/310938

Let me add the fifth category of age in America: "Wow! Did you have a face-lift?"

I'm almost 55 and feel that life begins at 50!

[Anastasia]

Thanks for sharing the link, Jeff. I loved the article! I'm definitely not against face-lift but I would never consider going through major surgery just to...look better!
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[Tipper]

I'm glad you're happy Anastasia : ) And I'm glad you let me peek into your life there too : )