Let’s just go ahead and say it, 40s hit different. Not in that “oh no, I’m getting old” kind of way (even though these knees would surely agree), but in that “I finally get it now” kind of way. There’s a peace that settles in when you hit this season of life. It’s like the noise starts to fade and you finally hear your own voice clearly. As a woman, and especially as a solo mom, you start to realize that peace feels better than attention, solitude feels sacred, and that aging gracefully doesn’t mean fading quietly into the background. For me it means aging loudly, showing up and speaking up on my own terms.
There was a time when I thought “aging gracefully” meant letting the world define it for me. You know, listening to the beauty standards, the “you’re too old for that” whispers, and all the little ways society tries to tuck women over 40 into a quiet corner. Make us feel as if our presence is no longer desirable. But baby, I’m not dimming my light to make anyone else comfortable.
Aging gracefully is about embracing the wisdom that came from all the storms I’ve survived—the breakups, the rebuilds, the sleepless nights, the silent prayers. It’s giving myself credit for living through seasons that would’ve broken the younger me. I’m not here to disappear; I’m here to take up space! And take it up I shall!
And let’s be honest—no skincare product compares to the glow of self-acceptance. I used to chase perfection and validation like they were trophies. But 40? She’s a whole mood. Now I glow because I’ve let go. Because I stopped apologizing. Because I learned how to set boundaries, rest without guilt, and say “no” without explaining why. That’s the kind of radiance you can’t buy—it’s the kind you earn through growth.
My 40s have taught me that I’m not behind; I’m right on time. I may not have everything figured out, but I’ve got clarity, purpose, and a softness that only comes after walking through fire. I’m falling in love with the laugh lines that prove I’ve smiled through pain, and the stretch marks that tell stories of creation and resilience. The woman emerging now? She’s who I was always meant to be. Aging isn’t a decline—it’s a refinement. It’s the unveiling of the masterpiece that’s been forming underneath the chaos all along.
As a solo mom, I used to wonder if I was “too old” for certain dreams—dating, starting over, or rediscovering love. But these days, I know better. Timelines are myths, and joy doesn’t expire. My son gets to see his mama living her absolute best life. And that’s the legacy I’m proud to leave behind. Not the tired mom. Not the bitter mom. But the woman who refused to shrink and kept blooming through it all.
So here’s to aging gracefully and loudly. Here’s to showing up for yourself, even when no one’s clapping. To rocking the red lipstick, booking the trip, taking the nap, and refusing to be invisible. Here’s to all of us in our 40s and beyond—living, laughing, healing, and shining louder than ever. Because honey, this next chapter? It’s not the end. It’s the encore. 💖
I just hit 40 this week!!! but I haven't gotten to where you are, so hopefully make it there soon.