What would be your life tip?

[dazedandblue]

I am slowly approaching 40, which obviously means I’m having a bit of a pre mid-life crisis. With that, I’m taking stock of things and seeing what small changes I can implement for the next 40 years.

So give me your best tips and tricks and life advice.

For younger me, I would have said just do the thing (whatever it is in the situation), put yourself out there. You’ll love it.

For me now, I’m working through and putting together my financial plans. They’re ok, but need optimising.

But I don’t plan to stop there - the last maybe 5-10 years I’ve lost myself a little so now I’m ready for my revival.

So I’m ready to hear all your wise words!

Don't get a dog. You will free up so much time for other things.

Procrastination is the thief of time - just do it now. And seize opportunities when they come your way - say yes to anything that promises you something exciting. If you must marry, marry well, and don't take any shit from your partner. Stand up for yourself. Stay in control of every aspect of your life. Regret nothing, it's just a waste of emotional energy. Enjoy yourself!

Smile. Smile at people you don’t know. It’s infectious and good for the soul ♥️

I could've written this post myself. I look forward to hearing tips from other people.

I 100% agree with this. When I was younger people disagreed with my choices, they are now doing what they criticised me for. Do what you think is right and don’t be influenced by other’s judgement.

I was fifty this year, so my wise words are:

It’s never too late to start over, don’t talk yourself out of having a go.

You can listen to people’s advice, but you don’t have to take it. Do what’s right for you.

I also don’t care what people think anymore. Very liberating. I’m growing my grey hair out. I love it. People can get stuffed with their “it might age you” - I earned those white strands with genuine stress. 🤣🤣🤣

edited because typooooos

Just because it's seen as the 'norm' it doesn't have to be your aspiration. Be yourself.
Try and find the balance between spending for today and spending for your future.
Invest in your education. No learning is wasted and it's never too late to know more and to think more deeply about something.
No walk is wasted. You can only feel better for it.
Whatever it is that makes you happy - time alone or time with others - plan it into your life and see it as a necessity.
Try and like everyone you meet as your first response (within reason!)
Listen more; talk less.

Don't look back with resentment. There's a bit of a pattern of this in my family, my nan, aunt, sister, niece, all had/have of blaming how their life has gone on something they did earlier in their lives. If life deals you a change that is unwelcome, don't let it consume you. It just ends up.with you being bitter and disliked. Move past it or look for new opportunities.

Hrft but will try.

Worry doesn't help fix anything.

A dog is time well spent.

Marry/partner well, absolutely key for me. Love the life you live. Live the life you love. Keep moving, any exercise you enjoy. Save for old age but don't pass up life opportunities. Don't carry extra weight.

Educate yourself now on the benefits and current research of HRT and how beneficial it is for the vast majority of women. Google peri-menopause symptoms so that when the frequent UTI’s, anxiety, sleeplessness starts, you’ll know that you are dealing with peri, and won’t let the doctors misdiagnose you as depressed and start you on anti-depressants instead of what your body actually needs.

When lining a cake tin, once you have cut the paper scrunch it up and then re-flatten it, and it won’t roll up or jump out of the tin.

Learn to love exercise (if you don’t already), meditate, even a little bit, and follow your spiritual path even if it’s a very unclear or uncertain one.

Trust yourself & no-one else.
Might sound a bit negative, it's not meant to be.
It's made me much happier as I've got older!

Would it be worth starting one at 45? I’ve never been able to have one before with unexpected serious illness and mortgage taking priority to keep a roof over our heads, now I can afford £500 a month but is it still worth doing at 45? X

Don't try to keep up with other people
Don't buy expensive cars
Remember the mantra - no one looks after your money better than you (learn how to do this if you don't know already)
Maximize tax relief
Prioritize experiences rather than things
Get out into nature whenever you can
Don't ever trust someone trying to sell you something

And marry somebody you actually like, not just somebody you lust after. I've been married 50 years and we're still close.

Find time for friends.

Not too late, but don't take any risks with high mortgage payments or unusual/expensive properties. Just buy somewhere that is the size you need and (perhaps) needs a little bit of work that you can manage - not a huge renovation project that will drag you down and cost much more than you expect. It doesn't need to be perfect, just habitable, the right size and have what you need.

Yes it’s definitely worth starting one -you’ve got 20 years left to build it up and you’ll be so grateful you have😊

If you want it and can afford it go for it.

Never rely on a man financially.

Getting a dog is the most beneficial thing i have done in my mid life.
Nothing is really important if someone loves you this much.
I get outside 2 or 3 times a day in all weathers- thus has saved me a fortune in gym membership and therapy.
I also talk to a lot of people on these outings and have learned all sorts grom them.
I rarely have to turn any heating on, autumnal camping is possible even when you have a warm urry friend at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
Dogs teach us to enjoy each day for what ot brings, not to bother with people we don't like, the importance of silliness, family, and sleep.

When someone shows you who they really are, believe them.

Never give up, never.

Nurturing doesn't stop just because your children have flown the nest. My garden is my nurture fix, the dog too, found these two things very beneficial once my dcs didn't need me so much. Understand that dogs can be a bind and not for everyone but mine is such a joyful companion around the house he makes me smile and forces me off the sofa for a walk 😂

Before buying something think ... do I really need this? Will I use this? Having emptied my shopaholic parent's house (very emotional, physically hard work) I am adamant my dcs are not going to go through that with my stuff. Swedish death cleaning not quite yet but I am editing/culling stuff. I say out loud "lets be brutal" to spur me on.

I agree with the marry well advice. Been very fortunate to marry someone who loves me as much as I love him.

Thank you so much, I need to look into how I would do this, I have a small local authority pension from years ago, I’ll google pension companies tomorrow