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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
ArcaneWireless · 20/04/2023 21:58

I learned to say no to things. And to stand up for myself. Not much I know.

Life changing.

Alwaysworryingoversomething · 20/04/2023 21:57

Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:56

Props to @Alwaysworryingoversomething and others learning to drive now. I can’t imagine what it’s like even compared to learning 23 years ago.

Thanks. I still can't believe it. I found it quite difficult (MN helped) but passed first time.
I am ridiculously proud of myself.

Peccary · 20/04/2023 21:57

Love this thread. I am 45 this year and I am going to teach myself how to read an OS map properly and get out in the hills more

GrumpyInsomniac · 20/04/2023 21:57

@PurposefulBear no, but how lovely to meet my twin 😁

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:56

Props to @Alwaysworryingoversomething and others learning to drive now. I can’t imagine what it’s like even compared to learning 23 years ago.

OP posts:
Lockeddownagain · 20/04/2023 21:55

A masters degree in counselling

StarDolphins · 20/04/2023 21:55

Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:37

@StarDolphins solidarity - that’s the sort of place I was hoping to start. It’ll be a veg plot next year, an orchard the next….😁

Yes! Have you thought about cress🤣

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:55

@LostAtTheCrossRoad that’s really amazing - such incredible experiences.

OP posts:
Alwaysworryingoversomething · 20/04/2023 21:55

Drive (was over 50!)

LostAtTheCrossRoad · 20/04/2023 21:54

It's not things I learned exactly, but I joined a choir two years ago having not sung properly for 30 years. It has absolutely been the best thing I've done solely for myself in decades. It's rejuvenated my confidence, has reminded me that I can still learn, still perform, that I'm pretty damn good at it and it just brings me huge joy - there is something deeply human and connecting about raising your voice in communal song. It's also given me a number of opportunities I wouldn't have been able to access otherwise - singing in an epic cathedral venue, recording in Abbey Road, West End workshops with current stars. It has also directly led to me getting a part time job after nearly 15 years at home, because of the increased confidence and self belief.

Find that single thing that brings you joy and grab it wholeheartedly!

whirlyhead · 20/04/2023 21:53

Qualified as a 200 hour yoga teacher in my mid forties which took 18 months. It was harder than my post graduate degree! It took me way out of my comfort zone but I felt a real sense of accomplishment in getting to the end and qualifying.

AtomicBlondeRose · 20/04/2023 21:50

@Okaaaay I did enjoy drawing when I was younger but never thought I was any good particularly. It’s only recently I’ve made a concerted effort to actually try and learn some technique and buy some decent supplies. It came pretty quickly once I started trying.

onlyoneoftheregimentinstep · 20/04/2023 21:50

Took up running at age 50, having been completely sedentary all my life. Ran my first marathon aged 53 and my second aged 56.

Colourmylifewith · 20/04/2023 21:50

Welshy26 · 20/04/2023 21:37

Bit random mine...but I always wanted to incubate a fertile egg and have my own quail...so I did just that at Christmas and now the proud owner of 9 quail who give me 6 little egg gifts every evening. I love them. They make the most beautiful noises and so easy to look after.

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

PurposefulBear · 20/04/2023 21:50

GrumpyInsomniac · 20/04/2023 21:28

Did a MSc to change career. Learning Japanese. Learned to code in R and Python. I’m mostly proud that I stood up for and enabled my inner nerd to shine and did things I really wanted to do instead of just getting stuck in a rut, because that’s how all these things happened.

Are you me??!!

Thepeopleversuswork · 20/04/2023 21:50

Changed career
Separated from my husband
Online dating
Starting running
Learned to surf

All after the age of 40. Surfing I was 50.

BounceyB · 20/04/2023 21:49

Post divorce I did DIY (because I had no choice). Every day is a learning opportunity.

LaughingCat · 20/04/2023 21:49

Ahhhh…I turn 40 in August and this is the BEST THREAD EVER! Cheers, OP!

I’ve been looking forward to my forties for ages though - feels like that’s the decade you really come into your own. You’re a kid in your teens, don’t know your arse from your elbow (but feel like you should) in your twenties, spend your thirties getting established and comfortable with yourself…hello forties! Can’t wait!

Colourmylifewith · 20/04/2023 21:49

Casual sex 🥳🥳🥳

Wenfy · 20/04/2023 21:48
  1. i got my degree
  2. I had a baby
  3. i learned how to code
  4. then because I had years of experience in my industry but in another area I walked into a 6 figure paying STEM consultancy role.
unkownone · 20/04/2023 21:48

Running and running a half marathons. I joked about it and someone got me an entry ticket for my 40th lol I’d had a bit to drink when I agreed no one normally takes my crazy ideas seriously including me lol.

SilkySuky · 20/04/2023 21:47

Got my black belt in Taekwondo. Going for my second Dan (second black belt) this year. I love it so much more than the gym or classes

Redebs · 20/04/2023 21:47

AtomicBlondeRose · 20/04/2023 21:41

I’m 43 and since lockdown I’ve taught myself to play the piano, draw and paint! I did this is about 20 minutes the other day- preparation for a full colour portrait.

Superb! Well done 👍

Drlovestrong · 20/04/2023 21:46

Human flag.

Redebs · 20/04/2023 21:45

I learned to drive.

I was absolutely terrified and found it really hard. It was the first time in my life I hadn't been able to do something easily.

It was totally heroic.

I bluddy love driving now.