40, No Kids and Fabulous!

40 is a fabulous age, especially if you don't have kids! I celebrated my 40th birthday at a spa. Bathing in the sun, sipping my ginger elixir, I realized I've never been happier, or more fulfilled in my life. I would never want to go back to my 20s or 30s, and here are the reasons why:

#1: 20 and confused!

I remember being confused in my 20s. Trying desperately to find my footing in this world, I jumped from job to job, from relationship to relationship. Not sure about myself, I remember allowing people to sway me in various directions, whether it was my career, how I dressed, or whom I dated. Boy has that changed! Now I know exactly who I am, what I am, and no one can tell me otherwise.

#2: 30 and stressed out!

When I finally got to the top of my game as a marketing professional, I was overworked, overstressed, and my relationship suffered consequently. I reached my career goal at 31, but I also paid a heavy price. My health suffered, and so did my social life. People kept telling me that I was at my prime, that I should savor the moment, make a lot of money, bla bla bla... Yet I was miserable. And so 1 day, I walked into my boss's office and quit. By the way, please don't do that. I did have a back up plan to start my own business.

#3: 40 and fabulous!

Truth be told, now that I have established my business, which took me 7 years, I don't work as hard anymore. And this means more time to take care of my husband and myself. I have never been healthier, in better shape or, in my humble opinion, looked better! For 1 thing, I actually have time to eat lunch now. Something I didn't have time to do in my 30's, and couldn't afford to well in my 20's. Having the kind of self-confidence I never thought I'd have also helps!

#4: 40 and no kids!

The decision to not have children took a long time. For 1 thing, the peer pressure is enormous when you reach a certain age. All my friends have children now, and the natural question is always, "When are you getting pregnant?" But having children is a very personal decision, and my husband and I decided not to let other people influence us. We do enjoy our friends' children.
We just don't want any of our own. But the added financial freedom and time allow us to pursue other things we enjoy in life, whether it is getting involved in the community, dining out, traveling, or the possibility of early retirement. Not to mention keeping my figure!

Mentally, now I realize it is important to enjoy the moment, whether you are in your 20's, 30's, or 40's. Each age comes with its own excitements, challenges and rewards. When I looked back, it was my 20's and 30's years that shaped me to be the person I am today. And for that, I'm grateful for all the heartbreaks, all the disappointments, and all the missteps.

Willow Banks is an entrepreneur and aspiring writer. Having been a copy writer for over 13 years, Willow Banks is currently working on her first novel. She runs a business selling company logo shirts and custom baseball hats.