So, does life really begin at 40?
I turned the big four-oh on Sunday, and it feels….I don’t know, weird.
You know, when you are young, you look forward to turning 18, and then 21 because it is cool, because it is when you become an adult and can do things you couldn’t do when you were younger – like learning how to drive!
But, when you are young, turning 40 seemed like light years away – and it seemed like something only older people did. And now, it’s here… and that person is me! It seems surreal, and yet if I live to be 80 years old then I have only really lived half my life, and still have another 40 years left to go.
So really it’s not old, it’s just middle aged. So why am I weary of this age? Should I be worried? Why am I not excited at the prospect?
However, I think the forties is going to be a time of contemplation and reflection. Maybe I should just look back and reflect on all that I have achieved so far. It has been a pretty good life. My dearest hubby organised a big party for me on Saturday (see pic below!) where there was a slideshow of photos from my life – from my birth to the present day, from my 1st birthday with my parents and grandparents to the 1st birthday of my darling twins. Watching those photos flash up onto the big screen was like an awakening that I have had a life. I celebrated that night with some of my nearest and dearest.
And I think that is the most important thing in life – that we have friends and family who care and who will always be there.
As Gandhi rightly said: ‘Where there is love, there is life’…
A MishMash Life 
They say life begins at 40
I am 67 and still waiting for it to begin!
Lol
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Ha ha! I don’t believe it! You have lived a great life and are an inspiration to me! 🙂
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As a mum I still can’t believe you are already 40 years old. I still remember your childhood when you used to sit on my lap. Friends and neighbours could not wait to take you out and play with you. Today, you are a wonderful mum of beautiful twins. I pray to god to give you a very happy and healthy life to watch your twins grow with great achievements and ambitions in their lives. My heartiest blessings and love
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Thank you mum. How time flies! I wish I looked as young as you. You are the best!
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Hey mishmash
40 may seem old to you but look back and see what you have done and achieved in those 40 years. Life may not always be the smooth motorway we’d like to take but those hills and mountains we climb and overcome makes us into the person we are today. And you are a beautiful human being. Look forward to the next 40!!
Enjoy life and always keep smiling that warm smile of yours.
At least now I can send you emails about old ladies and what they can or can’t do. Xxx
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Thank you so much Ashita. Your wonderful words have reminded me of a quote from J.R..R. Tolkien in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’:
“The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say”
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A week or so some what belated wouldn’t matter, I suppose. Many Happy Returns to You MishMashMamma.
Yes, reflections and contemplations most certainly but also much, much more because if life begins at 40 it means, going by the current trend in longevity it is only one third you have spent. So much more wonderful times ahead. Also some woes too for big four-oh must have made you aware of all those ‘ohs’ you have felt from time to time.
I had somewhat similar feelings at forty. And then at fifty too. And sixty too. And believe me at seventy as well. Now in my seventy fifth I feel it has never been better. The wonderful life, despite some woes, perhaps BECAUSE of those woes I understand and appreciate life far more and enjoy it. So you see you have far more
Wonderful years ahead of you and am sure you will make most of it with your very loving family and friends – above all your wonderful twins.
I wonder what your grandparents, who are in their nineties and have lived on three continents have to say to you and future generations!!!
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Thank you again for your wisdom! I cannot believe that you are in your seventies! I look forward to being a wise and wonderful owl like you!
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Judging by your blog subjects, comments and replies, can’t help saying that you are already there.
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Dear Amisha
We know you turned forty,but did not know you also turned so philosophical.There is very wise mind on that shoulder. Great to feel that you are my niece.
Harishkaka
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That’s because I have an even greater uncle to look up to! 🙂
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Dear Amisha,
Congratulations!You are now entering another club of life! Lots to look ahead and reflect as you said on the years gone by. Pick up the best and leave the rest. Life moves on, but there is rich beauty everywhere and laughter is a must to keep us all sane. Have fun cherish your times amd enjoy your family. Love, Shobhumasi
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Thanks for your wonderful words of advice Shobhumasi. I shall definitely try and remember it whenever I can. You are absolutely right – “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.”
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Happy Birthday and welcome to the club! I just turned 42 yesterday, and don’t get hung up on the number. There is so much more to life! Let’s just live it!
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Thank you so much littlemisswordy! Happy Birthday to you too. Having you pop over to my blog is a real honour for me. I am a big fan of yours! 🙂
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Happy 40th Birthday!! Hope it was a brilliant day – it definitely looks it. Gorgeous dress too – is that from Monsoon? 🙂
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Thank you Tas! It was a lovely day – ate far too much cake! Yes, that dress is from Monsoon – it’s my fav colour! 🙂
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I love the title! So funny. Welcome to my decade! So far so good. Except for a few aches and pains, I think life is looking up! I wish for you the same.
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Thank you, that’s so good to hear. As long as I can have chocolate (and a hot water bottle) in my life, I will be fine! 🙂
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