6 Things a Woman Should Have at 40

As Paulo Freire said: “No one is born fully formed: one must go a long way to become oneself.”

Photo byCanva

Overcoming the 40-year age barrier is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new, more conscious and wiser stage of life. It is a time to reflect on what is truly important and to find inner treasures that give meaning to life. At this age, many have already managed to start a family, build a career and find a certain stability, although there are exceptions.

Material well-being, including owning a home, a successful business and a decent income, naturally makes a woman 40+ more attractive. However, the state of the inner world is no less important.

Here are 6 things every woman should strive for by age 40:

1. Unshakable self-confidence

Confidence is not just confidence in your professional abilities, it is acceptance of yourself as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. By the age of 40, a woman should have a deep understanding of her value, regardless of external assessment.

This includes accepting and loving yourself, regardless of whether you have extra pounds or flaws in your appearance.

A confident woman walks her path with confidence, knowing that her worth is intrinsic to herself and not determined by others. She does not waste energy justifying her actions; she follows her path, regardless of criticism. Confidence allows a woman to see the world clearly and distinctly.

2. Ability to refuse

Learning to stand up for your boundaries and not be afraid to say “no” when necessary is an important skill for psychological resilience. By the age of 40, a woman should realize that her time and energy are limited, so it is important to prioritize. This will not only preserve your peace of mind, but also give you the opportunity to truly live in accordance with your values ​​and aspirations.

3. Independence from other people's opinions

At this stage of life, a woman should be free from the shackles of other people's opinions. By the age of 40, you probably realized that true happiness lies in living in harmony with your own convictions, and not adjusting to the expectations of society or the judgments of others, even the closest ones. Independence from external approval is a sign of maturity and self-respect.

4. Ability to build healthy relationships

By age 40, you should have a clear understanding of the importance of healthy, supportive relationships. You know that entering into a relationship with someone who is abusive, narcissistic, or codependent is a surefire path to unhappiness. You've outgrown the need to "save" others, focusing instead on mutual respect and love.

5. Deep self-awareness

Understanding yourself is critical to living a fulfilling life. By age 40, a woman should be in tune with her heart, have a clear sense of her desires, and be able to set priorities that reflect her true values. This self-awareness allows you to navigate life with purpose, avoiding distractions and focusing on what truly resonates with you.

6. Striving for continuous development

Investing in your personal development is the most profitable investment you can make. As you reach 40, it’s important to set yourself up for continuous learning – whether that’s acquiring new skills, expanding your knowledge, or deepening your self-understanding. Growth doesn’t stop as you age; it evolves, enriching your life and keeping you active and engaged with the world.

As you journey through life, it is the development of these inner qualities that truly defines your life experience. Being a “pretty shell” devoid of meaning is a missed opportunity. Instead, focus on filling your life with purpose, knowledge, and self-love. After all, it is inner depth that makes life truly rich and fulfilling.

Remember, every woman's journey to maturity is unique, but those who strive for self-improvement and inner fulfillment will find meaning and joy in life that lie far beyond superficial perception.

What do you think about this? What else would you add? Share in the comments!