When I started 40rty Calling with my sister Patricia in 2022, I had no idea I was answering the call God has for my life. It's still fresh in my mind, a few words and ideas scribbled in a journal that I'd written months before.
I wasn't sure what to do with the ideas, but God spoke to me and gave me an assignment: launch 40rty Calling on 11/11/22 (on what would have been my late bestie Sharron's 40th birthday).
40rty Calling is a reflection of my obedience, because Lord knows the life I have was not screaming "add something else!"
But I am so grateful I listened, because it was a lesson in thriving through one of the toughest life transitions of my life.
But navigating through life’s twists and turns and unexpected detours is not easy. It requires something many of us have difficulty doing: embracing change.
As we approach our 40s or learn to navigate the new terrain, we inevitably encounter moments that challenge us to adapt, evolve, and grow. It is as if each change or transition beckons us to make a decision without knowing what is ahead. Amidst the uncertainty, there lies an opportunity — an opportunity to embrace change as a catalyst for transformation, renewal, and self-discovery.
Here are some tips that served me well:
- Understanding the Nature of Change. Although change is a natural part of the human experience, it often evokes fear, resistance, and frustration. In our 40s, we will likely face many major life transitions, including death of our peers and family members, career changes, relationship shifts, empty nesting, and health concerns. Anticipating these changes is your best defense against those daunting feelings, but so is recognizing that change holds the potential for growth, resilience, and new beginnings.
- Navigating Life's Transitions with Grace. Our first inclination when faced with an unwelcome change is to resist, to fight, and to protect what we perceive is left in our control. But embracing change requires a willingness to lean into discomfort, relinquish control, and trust in the process. Instead of resisting change, we can choose to approach it with curiosity, openness, or a sense of adventure. The key to navigating change with grace and resilience is to reframe our perspective and embrace life's transitions as opportunities for learning and growth. So next time you are faced with a major change, ask: What am I supposed to get from this?
- Cultivating Resilience and Adaptability. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity with courage, strength, and fortitude. In our 40s, cultivating resilience becomes essential as we confront the inevitable changes that accompany aging. It is important to remember that not all changes are bad. Give yourself permission to stumble and find your footing through challenges by fostering a mindset of adaptability, flexibility, and self-compassion. This will enable you to thrive in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
- Finding Meaning and Purpose Amidst Change. Every change we encounter is an opportunity to reevaluate our priorities, values, deepest desires, and aspirations. And in this process, we have the power to align our lives accordingly. Our 40s are a chance to discover new passions, pursue dreams deferred, or embark on new adventures. By embracing change as an opportunity for self-discovery and reinvention, you can find fulfilment and purpose in this chapter of your life.
- Embracing the Journey. It is essential to remember that the journey to and through your forties is as important as the destination. Each new challenge, good or bad, contributes to the richness of our lives and has the potential to shape our stories. Choosing to walk authentically through this journey creates depth and connection. And the more you lean into the journey, the more you will experience growth, transformation, and boundless possibility in your life.
I could not have anticipated Sharron’s untimely death, but it prepared me for what is to come and showed me that God will transform our darkest moments into something beautiful. The only requirement was that I accept and embrace the change. My response was within my control, and I chose and still choose daily to receive the lessons that came with that great loss.
Just as I did, as you navigate the transition into your forties, do so with courage and grace. There you will discover the transformative power of embracing change as a catalyst for growth, renewal, and self-discovery. Trust in the wisdom of your unique journey and embrace this new chapter with grateful anticipation of all the good that will come.