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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:
Thread gallery
5
Agapornis · 21/04/2023 00:44

I'm a couple of years off 40, but planning to get my black belt in jiujitsu by 45. Most people in my club achieve it in their 40s!

Itsybitsypiper · 21/04/2023 00:35

FriendsDrinkBook · 20/04/2023 21:59

With my 40th birthday gift cards I bought myself a cheap sewing machine and learned to sew my own clothes. Most of my wardrobe is now handmade. I'd been talking about learning for over a decade before I took the plunge.

How did u learn?

xsquared · 21/04/2023 00:15

Running.

I used to jog the same 4 mile route, maybe twice or three times a week at most.

In 2021, I ran longer and explored new routes as a way of managing depression

In 2022, I ran the Great North Run for Mind.

On New Year's day, I entered Manchester Marathon on a whim, probably egged on by my much faster running buddy.

Last Sunday, my official time at the finish line was 3:44:28.

I will try entering for The London Marathon again for next year.

bellocchild · 21/04/2023 00:11

Change of career and learning Adobe Creative Suite in my 50s. Lots of evening classes.

Stompythedinosaur · 20/04/2023 23:48

I learned to fence with a medieval longsword.

Pissingoncarwheels · 20/04/2023 23:41

These are so amazing, I am so stuck in a rut and life is passing me by. You have inspired me to see what I can do. I have always fancied attempting to make some clothing, I briefly tried as a teen but ended up with badly fitting things. I may now give it another go.

Since lockdown I have taken up yoga and, more recently, mobility exercises too. I am more toned ( and thinner) at nearly 50 than I’ve ever been.

@Oxonresident can you share the info on where/how you did your stress diploma please? It is much needed!

I will keep reading for more inspiration, wonderful uplifting thread, great idea OP.

StellaOlivetti · 20/04/2023 23:34

I trained as a magistrate in my late forties. Had my first novel published in early fifties.

N8Emma · 20/04/2023 23:30

I learnt self-worth which has led to establishing healthier boundaries in all areas of my life and leaving my alcoholic husband.

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 23:28

Thanks so much for all of your posts. I’m impressed, inspired and hugely appreciate every one of your shares. Keep them coming - I will read every one and will post an update when I’ve found my thing 😊

OP posts:
MidnightsFoodbowl · 20/04/2023 23:18

I started taekwondo at 46, when my youngest started - I'd never done martial arts before. 4 years later I got my black belt (with one of my other kids), continuing to advance and now teach. I love it for the community, the fitness and stress relief!

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 23:14

@NotHangingAround that is amazing, congratulations 🎉

OP posts:
alibongo5 · 20/04/2023 23:07

Aged about 44 I went to my first festival (I took my two boys aged 14 and 12). Been going ever since (17 years now, no longer with my boys) about 4 festivals a year and love it!

moonisblue · 20/04/2023 23:05

I took driving lessons after I retired and passed my test age 56! 🤣

Sortyourlifeout · 20/04/2023 23:05

I started climbing at aged 40.

I am not sporty at all, being on the heavier side, but I love climbing and am actually doing fairly well.

whyisitalwayswindy · 20/04/2023 23:04

Learned to ride a motorbike.

@NoraLuka I didn't see your thread but do it!!

JennyForeigner · 20/04/2023 23:03

I had my first baby a week before my 40th and two more before I was 42. Then I learned to catch to stop them all jumping off the furniture.

And finally figured out to stand up for myself. Being frightened of not being liked cuts no ice when you've got stuff to get done.

I would like a classics A-level though.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 20/04/2023 23:03

NoraLuka · 20/04/2023 22:12

@icanneverthinkofnc which sport is it, if you don’t mind me asking? I’d love to do a team sport instead of just running on my own but there’s no such thing as an over 40s women’s football team in my area and I’m not sure what else I could do!

You could look for Return to Netball or Walking netball on here https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/

England Netball - The Vitality Roses - Coaching - Clubs - Participation

National Governing body of England's biggest female team sport, England Netball has 92,000 members, represented Internationally by the Vitality Roses.

https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/

burnoutbabe · 20/04/2023 23:02

Also decided to beat my past educational efforts and get an a* at gcse (didn't have a star in my day) then get a first in a degree (beating past 2.1) then do a masters.

I like a challenge.

Sewingdufus · 20/04/2023 23:00

I’ve always been interested in crafting and did a bit of quilting, blanket making in my 30s. But in my 40s I really challenged myself to try sewing clothing, within 5 years most of my clothes and a significant amount of my children’s clothing is home sewn.

burnoutbabe · 20/04/2023 23:00

Got my Xbox gamer score over 100,000. That was a proud day!

MrsSkylerWhite · 20/04/2023 22:59

Calligraphy

SoCunningYouCanStickATailOnItAndCallItAFox · 20/04/2023 22:58

Been learning quite a lot of DIY building my house. I'd only ever repainted and done a bit of tiling before.

Peccary · 20/04/2023 22:58

I feel inspired, I sat my Spanish GCSE at 39 when heavily pregnant. I'm going to do the a level with the college mentioned upthread

Apocalyptichorsewoman · 20/04/2023 22:55

Learnt to ride a horse - never been on one in my life before! I'm now 53, and have my own horse. 🐴

Took up cricket - I used to play it in the park with my mates when I was a kid. Now I play for the local women's team 😀

emsie12345 · 20/04/2023 22:54

Witchcraft