What’s the most amazing / inspiring thing you learned to do after 40?

[Okaaaay]

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!

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

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.

Play the piano.
Learnt to draw and paint.

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.

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 !!

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 .

@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!

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).

Learned to solve a Rubin’s cube.

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.

Easier than it looks 😁

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

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

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.

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!

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.

Pole dancing. I'm deeply unfit and quite overweight, but have found a form of exercise I absolutely love. It's done absolute wonders for my confidence, and I might not be great at it, but it's still one my favourite things in life!

Where did you do your A Level Joan?

This is an inspiring thread!

I quit a profession that I had studied for years for, and worked in for 20+ years to completely retrain, doing a year post grad studying and then on to a new career at 50.

Learned to pillion on a motorbike - I’m disabled and was 62 when started. Recently took up watercolour painting and doing really well!

While an over 40s football team for normal football is unlikely, I'm sure you will find a local ladies' team . There will be youngsters, but don't let that put you off. Otherwise, walking football may be an option if fitness is an issue. 😉

Love this thread

I was in a pretty low place overall 10 years ago. A friend persuaded me to start violin teaching, I've loved it and studied how to do it well. I now have a very different perspective on what my playing ability was like in my teens, as I can see how well taught I was (lots of things I was clearly taught to do that I didn't realise I'd learnt, just do). Some of my students are becoming quite good now, but most of all I just enjoy teaching, I feel better after lessons even if I'm having a bad day.

And now, coming up to 50, I've also started to resurrect a career that I thought I'd lost after my youngest was born, nearly 18 years ago. I've now got a dream of part-time employment combined with part-time teaching, not got there yet but it's looking plausible.

I found an exercise routine that I genuinely enjoy and look forward to. It’s a revelation that exercise can be done because it feels good, not as punishment for your body.

I also learned to ski. I had to overcome a lot of anxiety to do so, and it’s hard not to slink off to the lodge when small children are whizzing past you on the easy hills. But I decided not to care and now find it so enjoyable and a great way to appreciate the long winters where we live. It’s also special time with my children, or at least it is on the chair lifts. After that I usually just have to hope that they’ll wait for me at the bottom.

I've earned a diploma in aromatherapy but more importantly I've learned to say 'no' to people who always took me for granted. Liberating