Usha Uppal
Have you ever felt like you’re going through life at a much slower pace than your peers? Or that things are happening for you at a much later time than the rest?
Maybe you’re like me — in your 40s, and only now discovering your talents and qualities.
There’s a word for us: late bloomer.
I used to think there was something wrong with me because my life wasn’t looking like everyone else’s. I tried to keep up, but I never quite succeeded.
It always made me feel a bit insecure because the people around me didn’t quite understand what my life was about.
You know how it is; we all want to have a place in the herd and be socially accepted.
But what I’ve discovered is that being a late bloomer in my 40s is actually a blessing! In this article, I’ll show you what’s so good about it.
Here are 5 qualities that benefit you, a late bloomer in your 40s. Becoming aware of these can help turn your insecurities into strengths.
Life is just beginning, so let’s waste no time and dive right in!
1) Self-confidence
When we reach our 40s, it’s safe to say we’ve gained much experience in life. We’ve collected a range of professional skills, had relationships, and sorted out who we are.
I find I feel more self-confident now that I’m in my 40s. I have fewer hang-ups and care less about what other people think of me. This has impacted my choices in life and I now experience a much higher quality of life.
You see, the more self-confident you feel, the more relaxed and in control of your life you will be. You no longer have to worry so much, and you trust yourself more.
This is a solid base from where you can explore life in all its forms — relationships, passions, career opportunities.
This is the perfect moment to do the things you really want to do. You now have everything it takes to attract the right people and circumstances.
While other people have already made their choices in life, you, as a late bloomer, can decide how you want to shape your life right now.
2) Being sexually confident
Feeling more self-confident also involves our sexuality. Did you know that women have more sexual pleasure in their 40s? Ladies, you know what I am talking about.
According to WebMD, this time of life may be when your sex drive is strongest.
I feel the same way — at this age, I feel more confident letting my partner know what I like and don’t like. I feel confident enough to be myself, and that really opens new doors for me.
And the best thing about it is that I now feel more deeply connected to my partner and to myself. After all, sex isn’t just about physical pleasure, right? It’s about intimacy, love and self-expression — so if you have those, it becomes so much more satisfying!
If you’re a late bloomer, you can use your self-confidence to connect with someone and reach new depths of love and intimacy.
3) Being responsible
Besides being self-confident, you know by now that only one person is responsible for your life. You.
By being responsible, I mean owning your life, actions, and personality. When you reach your 40s, it’s time to look at yourself and your life honestly.
Maybe you didn’t become a professional piano or football player. Or you didn’t meet the right one and have kids together. Some things just didn’t happen, and now, in your 40s, you have a reality check.
I experienced this reality check as a phase of mourning — I felt grief over certain aspects of my life. I just had to come to terms with it, reach rock bottom, and come to acceptance.
After that, I could see more clearly that it’s up to me to improve my life, no matter how old I am.
So yeah, maybe things didn’t happen for you at the time they “should have”, like starting a family, for example.
But I really believe that it’s never too late to find yourself and to start afresh.
If you’re struggling with this, I recommend the video below by Ideapod founder Justin Brown. Hopefully, it will inspire you to turn things around by taking responsibility for your life.
Taking full responsibility for your life is powerful. You take back control over your life. Plus, it’s attractive, and you set the stage for exciting encounters and experiences.
4) Being resilient
What else can you use to your advantage as a late bloomer? Let’s look at resilience.
When we’re younger, we tend to think that failure is the end. But when you’re in your 40s, you know from experience that failure is part of growth.
If you look at successful entrepreneurs, you will most likely focus on their achievements. But just realize how many failures led up to their successes:
For instance, the inventor Thomas Edison was relentless in his pursuit to construct the electric light bulb. He famously stated: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Now that’s resilience to the next level! You may not be Thomas Edison, but don’t underestimate the amount of resilience that you, as a late bloomer, have built up.
In your 40s, you already have a solid foundation for the choices you are to make. You’ve lived long enough to know that whatever happens, you can bounce back.
5) Being passionate
Most people in their 40s have a set career, partner and family. Nice and stable.
Or so it seems.
If I look around me, many people have ended up in their 40s with a purely functional marriage. Or they’ve given up on their dreams and lost their identity while having a family.
You as a late bloomer, on the other hand, probably tend to walk an individual path. You love to try out new things, reinvent yourself and go with the flow in your life.
The good part is that you can take the liberty to do what you’re passionate about. As opposed to most people, whose lives are already filled in.
Did you know that many successful artists and entrepreneurs are in fact late bloomers? At a later age, they pursued their passions, such as Ian Fleming, who wrote the first James Bond novel when he was 44 years old.
My point is, for a late bloomer in their 40s, life has only just begun. That’s why I believe that it’s never too late to follow your heart.
Conclusion
Let’s recap: you have realized by now that you, as a wonderful late bloomer in your 40s:
- Have weathered a few storms
- Are well-equipped
- Are ready to move on to new enriching experiences
Just forget about all those other people who might worry that you will never get there, wherever that may be. Just focus on your own path in life, have trust in yourself, and live your life to the fullest.
I did just that: I followed my heart. And yes, I made some huge mistakes on the way. But I am so happy and grateful to be where I am now!
These days, people ask me: how did you do that and how did you get there? The answer: we late bloomers take our time but when we strike, we do it well!
Wishing you the very best on your unique journey in life: bon voyage!
