They Say “Life Begins At 40”

 

 How do you feel about that famous phrase?

Do you have a tendency to agree with it?

Or does it stir up some unexpected emotions for you?

 

Where Did That Popular Phrase “Life Begins At 40” Come From?

 

Apparently a self-help book called “Life Begins At Forty” was written by Walter B Pitkin during a time of a rapid increase in life expectancy.

At the time of it’s publication American life expectancy at birth was around 60 and climbing fast, from being only at age 40 fifty years before (that’s alarming isn’t it!)

The book proved very popular and influential and was the #1 bestselling non-fiction book in the US in 1933 according to Publishers Weekly.

Although Pitkin didn’t necessarily coin the phrase “life begins at forty”, the success of his book meant it became a catchphrase for the rest of the twentieth century and one that people still quote to this very day!

 

Your 40’s & Beyond Is A New Phase Of Life

 

Whether life truly “begins at 40” very much depends on your individual circumstances, experience and perspective on life.

Your 40’s is certainly a time when you might experience a new phase of vitality, personal growth and enjoyment.

Also a greater sense of self-assurance, fulfillment and maybe even a little more freedom to spend time on what you want to do – your interests and goals.

 

Oprah Winfrey – The Number Is Just A Marker

 

Let’s talk now about the iconic Oprah Winfrey ….

Can you believe it – Oprah Winfrey is 69 now?

According to an article she wrote earlier in 2023 in “Oprah Daily” she says she feels it’s such a reward to be turning 69 – and to be strong and healthy as well.

She’s recently recovered from a double knee operation, but says she’s never felt better.

At the age of 69 Oprah chooses not to focus on the number – for her the number has always just been a marker. 

 

Instead, she prefers to celebrate the time she’s spent living, taking note of all the shifts, the wins, the accomplishments.

Also she makes a point of looking back to see how much she’s grown over the past year – whilst looking forward to all that is to come.

What great advice – but then we’d expect nothing less from Oprah, would we?

It’s an attitude that may be inspiring, especially if you’ve found yourself “grappling” with the idea of hitting your milestone birthday of 40 or beyond.

 

“I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. 

If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.”

~ Oprah Winfrey ~

 

Let’s Flash Back Now To Oprah’s 40th Year

 

Oprah’s 69 now, but just how did she cope with her “milestone” 40th birthday way back then?

She embraced it, of course!

Oprah had an incredible 40th birthday and celebrated with her many friends by her side.

Also, little did she know that her life was about to take a remarkable positive turn. 

With her amazing achievements and inspiring journey, Oprah has become a symbol of hope and success for millions of people around the globe.

Read on for more and to ….

• explore how Oprah embraced her 40’s and why turning 40 can be a turning point in anyone’s life.
• share some of Oprah’s friend’s life lessons and stories
• discuss outer vs inner beauty
• discover why we should focus less on the perceived problem of ageing and more on the feeling of being blessed.

 

Oprah Fully Embraced Her 40’s

 

Oprah’s 40’s marked a significant period of personal and professional growth.

Here are some of the ways she embraced her 40’s : 

• Oprah’s talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” gained immense popularity. 
• Philanthropy – Oprah’s philanthropic endeavours expanded. 
• Acting career – Oprah appeared in several films.
• Book Club & Literary Influence – Oprah launched her influential “Book Club”.
• Personal Growth & Self-Reflection – Oprah openly shared her struggles with weight loss, body image and self-esteem. Her journey resonated with many and helped foster a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance.

 

Why Am I Sharing Oprah’s Achievements In Her 40’s With You?

 

Because sometimes, in our 40’s and beyond, we may have a tendency to waste our “headspace” and thoughts on self-doubt and insecurity.

My aim here in this article is:

• to serve to you a powerful reminder that reaching 40 is an opportunity for reinvention and self-discovery.

• to inspire you to reassess your goals, passions and dreams and make bold moves to pursue them.

• just imagine – If you focus your time and energy, your best may be just about to begin for you too!

 

Oprah’s Famous Friends’ Share Their Life Lessons

 

When Oprah was about to turn 40, one of her friends said to her:

“Honey, the best is just about to begin for you because the greatest thing about turning 40 is you stop living your life for other people and start living it for yourself”

And Oprah embellished that with her own wise words :

“The best thing about growing older, you grow into more of yourself and more of who you are and were meant to be and stop living your life out of “ego” for other people.

How does that resonate with you?

 

Maya Angelou Taught Oprah About Aging and Self Acceptance

 

Maya Angelou (American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist) was a teacher, mother, sister and friend to Oprah since her 20’s.

Oprah said that many of the most important things she knows, she’s learned from conversations with Maya.

Apparently, one of the greatest lessons Maya taught Oprah – is her approach to ageing with such acceptance and assurance.

When Oprah asked Maya what it was like to turn 80 her response was “Baaaby, the 80’s are hot! You want to try and make it there if you can”.

Ha ha, Maya Angelou, a lady with good humour, as well as being blessed with a wonderful mastery of words!

 

Oprah enthused :

“Maya has been an incredible role model for what getting older can be. Never a complaint about anything or anybody.”

Maya’s wisdom extends way beyond ageing and encompasses valuable advice for interacting with younger generations too. She encourages patience and understanding ….

“Be patient with young people. Don’t blame or judge them for what they don’t know. Be careful how you speak to them. You were young once, too.”

However, Oprah says Maya’s greatest lesson of all to her is “You are enough!”

When Maya first shared those words with Oprah, she felt a sense of strangeness and needed some clarification : “I am enough …. of what?”

Oprah’s response “I am enough of what?” highlights the common struggle many individuals face in recognising their self-worth and accepting themselves as they are.

 

 

 

Maya’s message of “You are enough” deeply resonated with Oprah and served as a reminder that each person has inherent value and worthiness.

Maya shared more of her wisdom : “You don’t need another person, place or thing to make you whole.  God already did that. Your job is to know it.”

Maya’s powerful words emphasise the importance of recognising our inherent completeness.

They encourage self-acceptance and the understanding that we don’t need to prove ourselves, rely on external factors or seek validation from others.

She reminds us that we are “already whole”, created as such by a higher power and to seek fulfillment from within.

We’re “enough” just as we are, with all our strengths, imperfections and unique qualities.

By acknowledging and knowing our innate completeness, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance and self-empowerment.

Understanding this helps us to live our life authentically and confidently, recognising that we are enough as we are!

These lessons shared between these two remarkable women serve as an inspiration for all of us to embrace ourselves fully and to navigate the journey of life with grace, wisdom and self-assurance whatever age we are.

 

What Happens When Beauty Is No Longer Your Calling Card?

 

One of Oprah’s favourite questions to ask people is “how do you feel about getting older?”

The reason she asks is because she’s curious to know how, being “what the world considers externally beautiful” affects your self-image when that beauty is no longer your calling card.

When Oprah asked that question of Cybill Sheperd, her reply was “I had a great fear as I grew older, that I would not be valued anymore”.

Oprah felt that offered terrific insight for us ….

 

Does Society Glorify Youth & External Beauty?

 

Oprah’s question carries deep significance, particularly when considering the impact of beauty as a defining characteristic.

Women can often feel a sense of insecurity or diminished worth as they move away from “societal beauty standards”.

When external beauty is no longer the primary attribute that defines an individual, it can evoke a wide range of emotions or self-reflections ….

a common concern of many  women as they age.

In a society that often glorifies youth and external beauty, it’s important for us to recognise the inherent value and worth of individuals beyond their physical appearance ….

 

Outer Beauty Vs Inner Beauty

 

We mustn’t forget that when people age, they acquire wisdom, life experience and a deeper understanding of themselves.

True beauty lies not only in external features, but also in one’s character, inner strength, resilience and personal growth.

By shifting the focus from external beauty to inner qualities and accomplishments, women can redefine their self-worth and find fulfillment that transcends “societal beauty standards”.

Ageing is a natural part of life’s precious journey; offering us opportunities for personal growth, self-acceptance, along with the chance to explore new passions and interests.

 

Ask Yourself – How Do You Feel About Getting Older?

 

What comes to mind when you ask yourself that question?

Oprah openly asks people that question “how do you feel about getting older?” because she feels we can all learn from one another’s journey – fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

If we discuss how we feel about getting older, we can be comforted, because we know that others have felt the same way, or have faced some of  the same challenges and emotions as we have.

 

Iconic Singers Surprise Oprah On Her 40th Birthday 

 

On Oprah’s 40th birthday, producers surprised the talk show host with a succession of legendary singers, including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin.

(If you’re a “baby boomer” you’ll recognise those names instantly).

When legendary singers like Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin offer advice on ageing – listen up! – their words carry immense wisdom and experience.

Each of the singers offered a stunningly beautiful musical performance, but their advice on ageing was just as profound.

Curious?

Click the video below to watch ….

 

I’m sure you’ll agree with me ….

 

It’s Time Now For A Change Of Focus

 

There’s wisdom in focusing less on the perceived problem of ageing and more on the feeling of being blessed.

This allows us to shift our perspective and approach the ageing process with gratitude and positivity.

Thankfully,  life expectancy has progressed from the depressing figures of the early 1900’s- age 40, then 60 – to well beyond that.

We’re still alive and growing older – now that’s something to be truly thankful for!

 

Let’s Conclude With Oprah’s Words Of Wisdom

 

As Oprah states so eloquently here: 

• For sure we live in a youth-obsessed culture that is constantly trying to tell us that if we’re not young and glowing and “hot”, we don’t matter. 

• There’s so much wisdom to be gained from people who are celebrating the ageing process with vibrancy and vigour and grace.

• I know for sure that only by owning who and what you are can you step into the fullness of life.

• Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you.

• Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.

“”I celebrate that. Honour it. Hold it in reverence. And I’m grateful for every age I’m blessed to become.”

 

 

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.”

~ Oprah Winfrey ~

 

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