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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
Oxonresident · 20/04/2023 22:24

Did a diploma in stress management and learned how to control my stress response, so turning from a complete stress head into...well, a lot less of a stress head!
Learned to swim properly, and now consider myself a strong swimmer.
Learned how to act in and direct plays (and I've just written one!).
And, like other PP's, learned not to care what other people think of me.

JoanThursday · 20/04/2023 22:24

I did an A level in Classics just for fun at the age of 48. Utterly adored it.

Sitting in the hall at the local comp in order to take my exams was an experience!

LouLou198 · 20/04/2023 22:22

Maybe not massively inspiring, but learned to say no to things I don't want to do. I have been a massive people pleaser all my life, now I just do what I want. It's liberating! Wish I had some it years ago!

Set up my own business, which has been very successful.

Finally started to look after myself now dc are getting older, regular exercise, good face cream, vitamins and a good diet. I've never felt better.

meikyo · 20/04/2023 22:20

Achieved my black belt in Karate...my user name is a Kata. Now second Dan black belt.

AtomicBlondeRose · 20/04/2023 22:19

@SleeptightDaisy I love those! Your dress especially looks great.

YesitsBess · 20/04/2023 22:17

Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 22:00

@YesitsBess casually throwing trucking pulling into the mix 😄

Easier than it looks 😁

SleeptightDaisy · 20/04/2023 22:16

After never sewing anything ever I got a sewing machine and an overlocker just after lockdown and have now made multiple items for myself and children from pants to dresses and dungarees. I did make some Easter treat bags last year which I then sold.

What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?
What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?
What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?
RonObvious · 20/04/2023 22:14

Learned to solve a Rubin’s cube.

Fairislefandango · 20/04/2023 22:12

Learned Spanish from beginner to A Level standard. Learned to knit and crochet just before turning 40 and can make pretty complex stuff now. Learned to spin my own yarn using a spinning wheel. Taught myself Tai Chi from videos (during lockdown).

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!

Thistooshallpass. · 20/04/2023 22:10

I've done more in my late 40s than I've done since my 20s .
Changed career and going for another promotion shortly .
Got really into exercise and the gym .
Qualified to become a Pilates teacher .
I have grown more as a person and am stronger , fitter and healthier than I've ever been .
Much more confident too .

IKnowItsNotMine · 20/04/2023 22:09

Had a pony as a teenager - just a happy hacker but I loved it. Kept all tack hoping I’d get another horse one day - I did over 20 years later.
I’m not only riding again, but having proper lessons & clinics with Grand Prix riders and jumpers who ride for GB.
Im actually getting quite good !!

Unicornsaregreat · 20/04/2023 22:08

Several ladies in my mountain biking club started at age 40+ and some of them are really good now, doing big jumps & everything. Our oldest lady is about 65.

Norugratsatall · 20/04/2023 22:07

Play the piano.
Learnt to draw and paint.

icanneverthinkofnc · 20/04/2023 22:06

Starting to play a team sport in my 40s, followed by a martial art in my 50s. Learning to swim at 40..
I want to learn an instrument next..but not sure what/ how yet.

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 22:05

@Riverlee that sounds lovely and a big confidence boost - thank you for sharing

OP posts:
BonnieGlasses · 20/04/2023 22:03

I came on to say learning Japanese, and I see I'm not the only one! I'm working towards doing the official Japanese Language Proficiency Test hopefully next year. It'll be very slow going because I can't even read all the katakana yet! Grin

AgeofCreation528 · 20/04/2023 22:03

Scuba dive & see some extraordinary things under the sea in exotic places

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 22:01

@FriendsDrinkBook this is inspiring - turning one of this ‘one day I’ll’ into real life must feel amazing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 22:00

@YesitsBess casually throwing trucking pulling into the mix 😄

OP posts:
sleepwhenidie · 20/04/2023 21:59

Colourmylifewith · 20/04/2023 21:50

We did this wit an emu egg, absolutely adorable thing 🥰

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OMG - what did you do with the emu? Quite a large pet to hang on to!

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.

Alwaysworryingoversomething · 20/04/2023 21:59

@Colourmylifewith so have you now got an emu? 🤯

Riverlee · 20/04/2023 21:59

I got a style analysis done late forties (body shape, colours, personality). It’s really helped me to dress better and I’ve had a lot more compliments since. I don’t always get i5 right, but the hits now outnumber the misses (despite being overweight and out of shape).

YesitsBess · 20/04/2023 21:58

Wnikat · 20/04/2023 21:29

Give zero fucks.

This.

And truck-pulling for fitness, fun, and intimidating weird men.