As I approach turning 40 in December, there’s definitely something about this milestone that feels heavier than 30 ever did. Maybe it’s because this time around, I’m not just looking ahead at the endless possibilities but also reflecting on the path I’ve already walked. At 30, I felt like I still had so much time to figure things out, make mistakes, and course-correct along the way. But now, 40 feels different. It feels like a significant chapter is closing, and a new one is beginning—one that’s more serious and, truth be told, a little daunting. And honestly, it’s a little scary. I’ve been navigating what can only be described as a mid-life crisis for about a year now, but I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t have to be all bad.

A mid-life crisis? Yeah, I guess that’s what you’d call it, but the thing is, it’s more of a wake-up call than anything. A reminder that time is moving, and while I may not have figured everything out yet (who really has?), I’m starting to accept that’s okay. We often think of these moments as a descent into existential dread, but I’m learning that they can actually be an opportunity for growth—a chance to reflect on what’s really important and where I want to go from here.

Hitting 40 isn’t the end of anything; it’s a new chapter. Sure, there’s a certain weight to acknowledging that I’m not invincible, that I can’t rely on the same energy I once had to power through anything that comes my way. But that awareness, it’s a gift too. It’s about recognizing that, moving forward, every decision matters a little more, that I need to take better care of my health, nurture my relationships, and focus on the experiences that bring real fulfillment.

The last year has been a lot of looking inward, asking myself tough questions about what truly makes me happy. And, more importantly, what doesn’t. There’s a clarity that comes with 40 that I didn’t have at 30. Things that used to matter just… don’t anymore. And that’s been freeing in a way I didn’t expect. It’s also been a wake-up call to start letting go of the things I can’t control or that no longer serve me—whether that’s people, habits, or even old dreams I’ve outgrown.

I’m not going to pretend it’s been easy. I still feel scared. There are days when I’m confident, and others when it feels like the weight of unmet expectations drags me down. But that’s part of it, right? Acknowledging that fear, facing it, and finding a way to move forward regardless.

I’m still a work in progress – imperfect, flawed, and learning every day. Turning 40 isn’t going to magically transform me into someone who has it all together. I’m going to make mistakes, struggle with self-doubt, and have days where I just don’t feel like I measure up. But what I can do is choose how I respond to it. I can keep growing, keep pushing myself, and keep looking forward.

And I get it. For the time being, 40 is scary. I’m trying to look on the bright side, but it’s not always easy. For anyone approaching this same milestone, or any other milestone, maybe you can take away some sort of lesson from my introspection as well. It’s okay to feel scared, uncertain, or overwhelmed. I’m right there with you. Maybe you’ll find comfort in knowing that change, while scary, doesn’t have to be the end of something. It can be a new beginning. If there’s one thing I’ve realized, it’s that growth doesn’t stop at 30, 40, 50 or beyond. Each stage of life offers us a chance to keep evolving, to keep discovering new aspects of who we are. There’s beauty in that.

As C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” That’s the mindset I’m trying to adopt—looking at this new chapter as a chance to redefine what comes next, and finally embracing the idea that life isn’t a straight path, but a winding journey.

So, here’s to turning 40… with all its fears, excitement, and the unknown. We all age, but aging is not just about the passage of time. It’s about how we fill that time and what we choose to do with it. In the words of Gandalf the Grey, “All you need to decide, is what to do with the time that is given to you.“

Remember, we only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the moments, continue to learn and push yourself, and I’ll catch you next time!