Losing the Fear of 40
40 is a milestone, not a death sentence.
In the second half of 2019, in my 39th year of earthly existence, I lost the dread of turning 40.
For many years, I was in despair because I did not achieve by my mid-30s some significant life goals such as marriage, house ownership and financial stability. I felt like a failure although educationally and professionally, I had done well and had an early start.
But even here, I had regrets. I had not attained my doctorate as I had planned and my new career had barely begun to bear fruit. I felt if I had not accomplished these things by 40, I would be a failure, the dragon of regret kept breathing down my neck.
After a while, I did not quite know how to defend myself or resist him. However, on my 39th birthday in May 2019, everything began to change with a note from my 90-year old friend.
She wrote, “40 is just a number, it is not to be feared…” Her note began building my wall of defense against the dragon of regret. Her insight started killing the weed of the fear of 40 and feeling like a failure.
Two months later, I read the life of a great leader in the Bible called Caleb, who at 85 years conquered giants and did not lose hope when he waited 45 years to achieve land that was promised to him.
His life inspired me to slay fear and soar to new heights as I get older. Caleb so impressed me that I felt compelled to go on a journey of fearlessness. His life story showed clearly how fear can cause you to forfeit your destiny.
On this journey, I started doing Facebook Live Broadcasts on Fridays, “Fearless Fridays” to share secrets I have been learning to slay different kinds of fear to help others who are battling fear to slay it and soar to new heights as they get older.
Some of these videos are on my YouTube Channel. With five months to go before my 40th birthday and my Fearless 40 Celebrations, I’ve decided to also blog about my experience on this journey.
I have also written seven books which will be launched as part of the Fearless 40 Celebrations. Each book in the series reflects an aspect of slaying fear and soaring to new heights as you get older. One of the books is also titled Fearless 40.
I now recognize that my 30s have been preparing me for greater and if my life is spared, my 40s will be greater.
Truly 40 is just a number, although changes do begin physically in your body and expectations of society changes, it is not to be feared but celebrated.
I have had family members and friends who died in their 20s and early 30s. I could have died in my teens, early 20s and early 30s. My life has been spared to go the extra mile.
Therefore, 40 is a milestone, not a death sentence.
Great achievement does not end at age 40. It is a gear-shifting season to soar to new heights.
Join me weekly as I share my personal journey and tips to slay your fears, dream again and soar to new heights as you get older.
If you are approaching 40 or over 40, these articles will be good for you.
Look out for them on Mondays for the next five months at least.
Feel free to share them and give feedback.
Join my Advanced Reader Team (ART) to read and review free pre-released versions of the books in the Fearless 40 Series.
Click here to join my ART Team
Taa for now until next time. Be fearless and soar to new heights in 2020!
Cheers,
Fearless Ruth| Jamaican Authorpreneur|Rocket-Writing Queen
