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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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
NoraLuka · 20/04/2023 21:37

I’m going to learn to ride a motorbike (I had a thread about it on here a few days ago and the verdict was unanimously go for it!). I haven’t started yet because I’m still figuring out where to go to learn but it’s going to happen!

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.

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:38

@Welshy26 you win for the most weirdly wonderful! How lovely googles incubation period for quail eggs

OP posts:
BunsenBurnerBaby · 20/04/2023 21:38

At 50: learned to run (never ever did before used to skive school in the summer to avoid PE); started lifting weights; started a course to retrain (new profession). Still want to learn tap dancing! Am also more flexible now than I was in my 30s. Oh, and have clothes I feel better in than ever before. So far, 50 is fab (had early menopause so did the worst of that transition my 40s).

Tiddlywinkly · 20/04/2023 21:39

Qualifying for a championship place at the London Marathon after taking up running 6 years ago when my youngest turned 1. I'll be 40 when I run it next year.

Welshy26 · 20/04/2023 21:40

Incubation period is just 16 -18 days! Heres a pick of one of my lovely quail.

What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?
Tiddlywinkly · 20/04/2023 21:41

Loving these posts btw, you ladies are amazing!

SnacksToTheMax · 20/04/2023 21:41

Fun and silly rather than amazing/inspiring, but: hula hooping! Tricks, dancing, routines, the works.

GeriKellmansUpdo · 20/04/2023 21:41

I wrote and published 3 books with a traditional publisher and am now writing a 4th. Niche books which didn't make me much money, but did to paid opportunities in other fields.

GrazingSheep · 20/04/2023 21:41

Circus skills !

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.

What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?
Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:42

@SnacksToTheMax brilliant, so satisfying!

@Welshy26 they are lovely 🥰

OP posts:
sleepwhenidie · 20/04/2023 21:42

Ah some amazing people here. Fantastic thread. Not so challenging for many people but I learned to play tennis - was big for me and has brought a lot of joy and friends and fun!

CeciNestPasUnPipi · 20/04/2023 21:42

Total career change: far less lucrative; so much more joy and satisfaction, even while it's full on at times.

Learning to be contentedly single. Three years and counting.

Original poster
Okaaaay · 20/04/2023 21:43

@AtomicBlondeRose that is beautiful. Did you already have an idea you were good at art?

I am very keen on the piano so this is really inspiring!

OP posts:
MeetMyCat · 20/04/2023 21:44

Sing in harmony as part of a choir

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.

Drlovestrong · 20/04/2023 21:46

Human flag.

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 👍

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

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.

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.
Colourmylifewith · 20/04/2023 21:49

Casual sex 🥳🥳🥳

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!

BounceyB · 20/04/2023 21:49

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