Something wild happens when you hit your 40s. You start to see things clearly — not because you suddenly have all the answers, but because you’ve lived enough to spot the nonsense. The expectations, the pressure, the hustle culture, the beauty standards… it’s like, girl, please.
In my 20s and 30s, I absorbed a lot of messaging without realizing how much of it was rooted in fear, shame, and performance. But now? Now, I’m calling it out. Loudly. Here’s a short list of propaganda I’m no longer subscribing to in my 40s — and maybe you’re ready to let some of this go, too.
1. “It’s too late to start over.”
Reinvention has no expiration date. Whether it’s switching careers, starting therapy, launching a business, or simply choosing a different version of yourself — I will never again believe that it’s “too late.” I get to evolve at my own pace, no matter what society says.
2. “Being busy means being successful.”
Hustle culture had me out here thinking rest was for the weak. I’ve since learned that peace is priceless, and a full calendar does not equal a full life. I’ll take boundaries, slow mornings, and peace of mind over burnout and overachievement any day.
3. “Working out is just to be skinny.”
Nah. I move my body to feel strong, to manage stress, and to celebrate what it can do — not to punish it or shrink it. Fitness is self-love now, not self-criticism.
4. “Rest is lazy.”
Listen, I’m not about to glamorize exhaustion. Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement. I used to feel guilty for doing nothing. Now I realize rest is the reset my mind, body, and spirit crave.
5. “You’re too old to dress sexy.”
Excuse me? Confidence is sexy, period. I’ll wear the mini, the heels, or the bold lip if that’s what I feel good in. There’s no age limit on feeling yourself.
6. “You should have it all figured out by now.”
Who said that? Every time I think I’ve “figured it out,” life hands me something new to grow through. And I’m okay with that. The point isn’t perfection — it’s progress.
7. “You must shrink yourself to be liked.”
I’ve spent too many years biting my tongue, shrinking myself, and worrying about being “too much.” I’m done with that. I’m not here to be palatable — I’m here to be real.
Your 40s are not about arriving — they’re about releasing. Releasing old beliefs. Releasing other people’s expectations. Releasing the need to prove yourself. So if any of these messages have been playing in the back of your mind, I invite you to hit pause. Or better yet, delete.
You don’t have to fall for it anymore.
Which of these messages have you let go of — or want to? Let’s talk in the comments.
Until Next time Keep Growing and Thriving on your journey.
xo, Kieks
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