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Original poster

What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?

191 replies

Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:23

Ok, so not an AIBU but posting here for lighthearted traffic. Just turned 40 and feeling as flat as a pancake. Would love to hear some of the wonderful (and weird) things you’ve learned to do after 40 to give me a bit of a lift. It might be to do a handstand, learn a language, to swim, run, cook a new dish - anything you are proud of. Go!

OP posts:
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5
momamama · 11/04/2024 08:26

Retrained and became a midwife!

CarrotPotatoRooster · 10/04/2024 09:04

I'm scared of getting old!

Original poster
Okaaaay · 10/04/2024 09:03

@CarrotPotatoRooster you win 😆. That’s amazing!

OP posts:
CarrotPotatoRooster · 10/04/2024 00:21

Learned a new sport, eventually playing in a GB shirt abroad.
Just about to qualify in a whole new career
Opened a music festival

LunaNorth · 10/04/2024 00:20

Since 40 I’ve learned a bit of guitar, done a Masters in creative writing, started learning French and learned to draw.

I’ve also learned weight and resistance training, yoga, and running - I’ve done two 10Ks.

I’ve also learned to grow my own fruit and vegetables.

I love learning new things.

EconomyClassRockstar · 10/04/2024 00:11

And my sister was a bit cranky at the time as she was going to be the first generation of both sides of our families to ever graduate...and my Mum pipped her to it by 6 months. We all laugh about it now 😁

EconomyClassRockstar · 10/04/2024 00:10

That's brilliant! My NY resolution was to start practicing my piano every day. I don't but I do play at least 4-5 times a week. I stopped lessons when I was around 12 so I am also very proud of my piano abilities!

I also want to add a shout out for my Mum who started a part time degree when she was 42. 4 kids and a husband who had to work away a lot. She graduated on my 16th birthday. This was the late 80s/early 90s so if she can do that, anyone can! I need to remind myself of that sometimes.

NotaNorovirusFan · 09/04/2024 23:58

I’m 38 and in awe of all of these achievements. I’m so tired all the time, I don’t know how you all find the time and energy for new things! I would love do a Msc and change jobs!

Gobolino80 · 09/04/2024 23:45

Passed my driving test at the age of 44. I really wish I had the confidence of youth on my side though as it's taken me far longer to gain confidence than I thought it would. Still, it's a huge achievement for me and I still can't quite believe I've finally done it after attempting it aged 17 and 27.

Original poster
Okaaaay · 09/04/2024 22:36

Love these updates just as much as the first time around!

@GoingOutShoes incredible work from you! Well done 👏

OP posts:
WildBear · 09/04/2024 22:35

I suppose you could get your affairs in order and make sure you have a will in place 😜

(I'm turning 40 this year 😆)

Musomama1 · 09/04/2024 22:34

Learnt how to solve a Rubik's cube a few years ago when I turned 40! I thought I'd have more chance of winning the lottery twice. I think you can keep on learning and surprising yourself at any age. Very inspiring thread thank you for starting.

Newmum738 · 09/04/2024 22:26

I'm learning the piano again after a 25 year break! I love the music and the focus of playing.

coginamachine · 09/04/2024 22:26

Bench press 60 kgs and squat 90kgs
I'm 45 and started training in the gym again 2 years ago! Who knew 💪 I'm super proud of me 😊

Rocknrollstar · 09/04/2024 22:24

Gosh - life begins at 40 I think. I changed career and did a PhD and then got the best job I ever had at 50.

Magpiecomplex · 09/04/2024 22:23

Got my PhD in my 40s! And a change of career to go with it.

Eyesopenwideawake · 09/04/2024 22:20

seeitthroughmyeyes · 09/04/2024 22:19

Where did you move to @Eyesopenwideawake

Show quote history

From Dublin to central Portugal.

seeitthroughmyeyes · 09/04/2024 22:19

Eyesopenwideawake · 09/04/2024 22:16

I learned at 43 that you can chuck it all in, move to a new country and build a new life. 17 years later it's all going well 😊

Where did you move to @Eyesopenwideawake

Eyesopenwideawake · 09/04/2024 22:16

I learned at 43 that you can chuck it all in, move to a new country and build a new life. 17 years later it's all going well 😊

Catsmere · 09/04/2024 22:16

Well done, OP!

GoingOutShoes · 09/04/2024 22:15

Started karate and ended up with a black belt. One of the proudest days of my life. And hardest!

Catsmere · 09/04/2024 22:14

I learned to drive in my mid fifties. Never needed to before that. Melbourne is very well supplied with public transport (and an awful city for driving, I gather). Country Queensland is the opposite. So, I had to learn. Took over a year (only one lesson a week and a gap because of lockdown) and I just squeaked through on my test, but now I can drive and am off my P plates (which are mandatory for three years here) over six months. Just as well - I escaped Queensland but the public transport in the city I now live in is fairly crap!

MonOncle · 09/04/2024 22:13

What a wonderful, inspiring thread and love your update OP!

I’m 41 and have been learning to knit for the past 6 months or so, and I’ve recently finished a project that doesn’t look awful! I love it (and it keeps my hands off my phone in the evening).

Original poster
Okaaaay · 09/04/2024 22:08

@xsquared that's amazing - well done you and loads of luck.

OP posts:
xsquared · 09/04/2024 22:00

Okaaaay · 09/04/2024 21:49

@xsquared did you get a marathon spot?

Lovely update from you @Okaaaay .

Yes, I managed to get through on a Good For Age basis, so London is on next weekend!