Every time I see this picture, I am reminded that life is for living. This month I kissed goodbye to my forties and I stepped into uncharted territory. I spent two years anticipating it, dreading it, fearing it, but none of those feelings could prevent it from happening.

The night before my birthday I celebrated alone; knowing I am now in a different category on surveys; if I get angry about anything people will whisper: ‘she’s going through the change.’

I felt grateful because I know of so many people who didn’t reach this milestone, taken suddenly without a chance to say goodbye. So I could spend the rest of my life weeping for my lost youth, or searching for the fountain of youth. Instead I choose to embrace this new phase; take more risks; speak my mind and learn to say no.