Turning 40 has brought me a flood of emotions and reflections. Since I turned 28, I’ve found myself becoming more thoughtful with each passing year. That was when I first felt the approaching weight of turning 30—a milestone that seemed to demand having everything figured out. I believed I needed to have my life mapped out, answers ready for every challenge, and a clear sense of who I was.

Now, with just a few days until my 40th birthday, I find myself in a completely different place—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I live in a new country where I can’t even communicate fluently yet. I had to rebuild my career, start over from scratch, and relearn so many things I once took for granted. The reflections are deeper now, but they come with a stronger sense of hope.

Turning 40 and Starting Over

Turning 40 in itself can be a milestone, but doing so while completely restarting your life is an entirely different challenge. When you’ve spent years building a structured, well-planned life, taking the leap to change everything at once is terrifying.

In my case, fear was my biggest enemy. I made a conscious decision to take this path—I knew exactly what I was doing, and I never expected it to be easy. However, living the day-to-day reality was much harder than I imagined.

My fears often overwhelmed me and held me back. Old traumas that had been buried for years came rushing to the surface. I had to face them with patience, therapy, and a deep spiritual connection to God. Those inner battles are still part of me after a year and a half living abroad, but I’ve learned to handle them with more grace and strength.

Meanwhile, when I look back at everything I’ve experienced so far, I can clearly see how much I’ve grown. I may not feel fully stable or have all the answers I once thought I would have by 40, but I do feel wiser, stronger, and more grounded.

Mental and Physical Health: My Priorities Now

One of the biggest lessons I’ve embraced in recent years is the importance of mental and physical health. These have become true priorities in my life, and I’m honestly proud of how far I’ve come.

These days, I dedicate at least four hours a week to exercise. I go to therapy once a month, now that I’m feeling more emotionally balanced. I take my anxiety medication daily. I pray. I spend time with God. All of these practices have made a profound difference in my life over the past year.

Speaking of fitness, I think I’ve unlocked a new life goal. When I see older adults—people in their 60s or 70s—walking on the treadmill or lifting weights, I see my future. I want to be that person, still taking care of myself, still showing up for my body and mind no matter my age.

Since I’m not working in my professional field right now, my mindset about work has completely changed. There’s no competition, no corporate pressure—just the need to cover expenses. My schedule is flexible, which allows me time for self-care, quality time with my family, time to cook, and time to enjoy small pleasures.

Honestly, I’m grateful for this opportunity, which I never thought I’d have. It’s a gift.

Friendships and Family at Turning 40

Something I didn’t expect about turning 40 is how much my perspective on friendship would evolve. Living far away from many of the people I love, and not yet having a strong circle of close friends in this new place, has changed the way I connect with others.

I’ve always deeply valued my friendships. I may not have had many, but the ones I did have, I cherished. I used to think friendship meant being constantly present—sharing the everyday moments, all the stories, all the time.

Today, things are different. My closest friends don’t know everything about my life anymore. We don’t talk every day. But when we do talk, it’s as if no time has passed. The love and comfort remain exactly the same.

At the same time, my family—which used to feel more distant when I was younger—has become my emotional anchor. I trust them deeply. They are the ones who truly show up for me, who stay informed about everything going on in my life. Since moving abroad, these connections have only grown stronger.

And as a true Cancer sign, family means everything to me.

Celebrating My 40th Birthday

Birthdays have always been a big deal for me—second only to Christmas. Whether there’s a party or not, whether I’m surrounded by everyone I love or not, I always like to celebrate. I see birthdays as a symbolic fresh start—a time to thank God for the chance to begin again, to live new moments, and to learn even more.

This year, as I prepare to celebrate turning 40, I’m filled with gratitude. I’ll be praying for health above all, because I still have many dreams to pursue with my family. I know I’ll need energy and resilience to keep going for at least 25 more years, and I want those years to be meaningful, joyful, and full of purpose.

Birthday Freebies in the U.S.

One fun aspect of having a birthday in the U.S. is the many gifts and perks you can get from your favorite places. Last year, I didn’t try any of them—but this year, I’m planning to go for it.

In Brazil, the most you typically get is a small dessert or a discount coupon at a restaurant. But here in the U.S., there are several options that feel like small acts of kindness. For example:

• Starbucks – A free handcrafted drink, a food item, or a bottled beverage
• Nothing Bundt Cakes – A free mini bundt cake
• Krispy Kreme – A free donut, coffee, or a pack of 3 mini donuts
• The Cheesecake Factory – A free slice of their classic cheesecake
• Crumbl Cookies – A free cookie

These are just some of my personal favorites. Other places like Sephora, Panera Bread, and more also offer birthday treats. It’s a small but joyful way to feel special on your day.

Final Thoughts on Turning 40

It doesn’t matter what age you’re turning or what stage of life you’re in—celebrating another year of life is always important. It’s always the right time to be grateful for what you’ve lived through and hopeful for what’s to come.

So, celebrate. Celebrate at home, at a restaurant, on a solo trip, with your family, with friends, or just with yourself. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or loud. What matters is honoring your life, your journey, and your unique story.

Turning 40 is not the end of youth or dreams—it’s the beginning of a deeper, more powerful version of you.