Yesterday was my birthday! And it happened to be a “significant” one.

The big 4-0 (and in case you were wondering, I ate cake for breakfast and drank wine – though not for breakfast!).

Now normally I don’t get hung up on birthdays or think about age too much. But I had struggled to come to terms with the fact I was no longer in my 30s – and a long way from my 20s!

Everyone kept saying to me: age is just a number, it doesn’t mean anything! But in my mind, 40 was different. I’m sure people feel like this all the time – as each progressing year, and decade, rolls around, you probably never feel truly ready for that next number. It’s nothing new. (And if you’re older than me, you’re probably thinking: “shut up, 40 is nothing!” – probably the reason I have lots of older friends!). But it was a new feeling for me.

So for the first time ever I took a bit of time to reflect on what I’ve done, where I’ve been and how I compare at 40 to the 30-year-old and 20-year-old me.

Here’s what I realised:

• I have more energy now than I did when I was 30. Granted I did have a toddler at the time, and was wondering when, if ever, I was going to get a full night’s sleep again, but even so… I’m also much better at protecting my energy now. I know when to say “no” if I start to feel like I’m running on empty and as a result I get sick and rundown a lot less often.
• I’m fitter (and healthier) than I was at 20. Like most people, in my early 20s I drank a lot, went out a lot, made a lot of questionable food – and, for that matter, life – choices! Sure, it was fun, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but it was neither healthy nor sustainable! And if I was still living that lifestyle I would probably need a liver transplant by now.
• I’m more sure of who I am and what I want now than I have been at any stage of my life. Of course I don’t have all the answers (or close to it) but at least I have a clear view of the direction I’m heading in and where I want to be in another 5 or 10 years.
• I’ve also taken inspiration from all the over-40s Goddesses training with me who are some of the strongest, fittest, most determined ladies I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. They’re running half-marathons, hitting PBs with their pull-ups and push-ups; on the squat bar; and with their planking times.

So maybe all those people are right, maybe age really is just a number (I’ll let you know at 80, if I make it through another 40 years!). But I’m going to take some of my own advice – control the controlables. I can’t stop time but I can make the most of it.

So I’ve set myself some new challenges for my 41st year (and beyond) – around my health, my family, my business. I don’t feel 40 so I’m not about to let my age dictate what I can or can’t do. Besides, 40 is the new 30 right?!

Hope to see you all at training!

Amy xx

PS. If you want some help setting goals (not to mention someone to keep you accountable!) I’m about to open up a limited number of spots for our 12-week Spring challenge. There are face-to-face and online options so if you want to know more, just hit reply and I’ll be in touch to chat about what you need 🙂

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