40 - a challenge and an opportunity

-


If you have gone through it , you know what I mean. This year many of my reflections and decisions were filtered through this lens…the 40- lens….

Reaching the age of 40, I experienced a range of emotions. There has been some reflection, reflecting on the ups and downs of life and understanding how much everything has changed. It did evoke feelings of nostalgia as well as a serious pause to examine where I have been and where I am going.

At the same time, turning 40 feels like a time when I can have more confidence and self-assurance. There is a sense of being more at ease with oneself and that it is good to be myself, regardless of cultural and societal expectations. It is a time for introspection and perhaps a gentle acceptance of the knowledge that comes with age, all while looking forward to what will come.

As I turned 40, I have better understood what genuinely counts in relationships. Genuine friendships have taken on new meaning. Quality has surpassed quantity in my life, and I find joy in genuine relationships founded on trust and shared experiences. In a world that frequently values superficial connections, this year has taught me to respect people who support me through life's ups and downs, emphasising the sincerity of relationships over the sheer quantity of acquaintances.

I have become increasingly conscious of the value of time. Time is irreplaceable once spent, and this awareness has been a driving factor in establishing my priorities. Every hour is now viewed as a valuable commodity, requiring an effort to invest wisely in activities that provide pleasure and delight. The value of time has grown, whether it is quiet moments of introspection or sharing laughs with loved ones. Turning 40 has reminded me of the value of living in the moment, making the most of every opportunity, and cherishing meaningful experiences.

My life has been marked by confusion and pondering in recent months. However, navigating through this interesting era has given me a greater feeling of happiness. I am deliberately redefining who I am, discarding old layers and rediscovering areas of life that are truly important and valuable. It's a journey of self-discovery, an investigation of what it genuinely means to me and accepting the changes that come with it. While this era was originally puzzling, it has become a chance for growth and a greater connection with myself. 

Turning 40 has guided me to more authenticity and deeper connections. 
And let us be honest though, wisdom and calmness has not been instilled in me from the one day to another...This post may serve as a reminder in the months and years to come that I am work in progress...

"Life really begins at 40...until then you just do research.."

Location: Pretoria, South Africa

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Letting go - or is it quitting?

-
Image
Letting go is a natural but also challenging part of life. The process can be emotionally complicated, whether it involves ending a personal relationship, stepping away from a project, or transitioning out of a leadership role. Understanding when and how to let go can lead to personal growth and new opportunities, and it is important to recognize that letting go is not synonymous with quitting. All good and well in theory, right?  Recognizing when a relationship has run its course is crucial in personal relationships and friendships. It might be growing apart, non-stop negativity, or misaligned values that signal it is time to move on. Navigating the emotions that come with this realization—sadness, relief, fear—requires patience and self-compassion. Letting go of a relationship is not easy, but reflecting on positive memories and seeking closure through honest conversations can help. Focusing on personal growth and the lessons learned opens up the opportunity for healthier relatio...
Read more

Solo Moments: Self-Expression in Dance and Presentation

-
Image
 There’s something undeniably liberating about dancing solo. I have been bellydancing for years, and one of the highlights (and challenges) for me has always been the chance to perform alone on stage. While many dancers might feel a wave of anxiety about going solo, I find it an opportunity to truly define the quality and structure of my choreography. It’s just me, moving to the music, free from external expectations or a predetermined script. In those moments, I am not just performing; I am sharing a story, a personal narrative woven through each gesture, each beat, and each pause. This experience isn’t exclusive to dance, though. I see the same dynamic in my students and my kids as they present their work, whether it’s an assignment, a research presentation, or even a creative project. They, too, are dancing solo, in a sense. When they stand up to present, they might panic, wondering how their work will be received, but here’s the beauty: only they know the full extent of what th...
Read more

From the Stage: A Supervisor's Reflections on Graduation Ceremonies

-
Image
 As a supervisor, graduation ceremonies have always been a bittersweet affair. They mark the peak of years of hard work, dedication, and determination for my students, and witnessing their journey from nervous first-year students to confident doctorates fills me with a sense of pride that words cannot fully express. Each year, as I watch the procession of graduates making their way across the stage, I am reminded of the countless challenges they have had to overcome to reach this moment. I've seen everything from late nights in the library to last-minute cramming sessions. But what truly amazes me is their resilience in the face of hardship. Whether juggling multiple jobs to pay for tuition or overcoming personal hardships, my students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education that inspires me daily. But it's not just the students who make graduation ceremonies special; it's also their families. The pride and joy radiating from the audience as their love...
Read more