What advice would you give to your 40 year old self

[Missedmoments]

Was just reading the elderly parents board. I’m strangely drawn to it despite the fact that my own parents are in good health and living very productive lives Some people are in fairly bad shape physically & mentally as they enter the golden years. Just wondered if anybody in their 60’s/ 70’s or even 80’s look back now and wish they had done something different in their 40’s ?

Yes. Don't divorce your husband you stupid woman.

Just go for it.

Goat, you don’t hear that very often! Regret?

Stop drinking alcohol and use sunscreen.

Following. Am 40 and curious what advice will be given! I'm just looking at my wine and wondering do I really need to stop drinking?

I'm in Aus and it's late enough to be drinking btw

Get out of your marriage now. You can and will manage despite being completely disempowered. Do it and dont Wait until the situation got so bad you had no choice.

Your man child dh has deliberately ruined your 40 th party.
Get rid before your 41st.

I'm 40 too and having some sort of MLC so following with interest...

Yes, be more assertive and less of a doormat. Hindsight is wonderful.

Yes big time. I was suffering badly from Empty Nest Syndrome and took it out on him a lot.

He had his faults but was lovely.

Goat, that’s sad but I can understand how it can happen. Such a massive life change. My first DD will be flying the nest in a couple of years & I can hardly think about it. It seems mid life gives us a good opportunity to even ourselves out before old age. Just pondering what I need to change myself...

It's too long ago to remember

Ditch the ex earlier than I actually did.

Be much more careful about contraception. You just might get pregnant within the next three years.
(If anyone had said that at the time I would have 😂😂😂).

Enjoy the moment, don't sweat the small stuff.
Don't save anything for 'best' wear that expensive perfume, use your best china.
Book that special holiday, always have something to look forward to.

In fact this advice to myself has worked so well, I've carried on doing all these things into my 60s :)

Really concentrate hard on not putting on any weight!

Great thread! Following with interest

I'm about to turn 40, and at a bit of a crossroads career-wise, so watching with interest!

What an interesting thread. I’m 43 and feel at a real crossroads. I wish I could see 20 years into the future and tell myself what to do now.

Margaret, I hear you !!! Mind you it was a few years ago I had my very unexpected last child. I love her so much though so no complaints. If anything she has made me more aware of my health & looking after myself. I really want to be around to see her grow up. 43 now & she is 6.

Love this thread! Am watching with interest

I'm 40 next year. Is there anything I should or shouldn't be thinking about doing before then?

This thread needs more advice! We are waiting....

I am 40, I have no advice! But was talking to my dad recently (early 70s) and he told me what a great age 40 was for him. He said that he felt confident and experienced at work, his children were all school aged and good fun to be with. Plus he was fit and had lots of energy (used to cycle into central London every day to work).

Great thread! Someone tell Gransnet we need their advice