40 is OLD???? I´m getting on for 47 - though really I can hardly believe it. When I reached the magic 40, I found myself turning my life completely on its head. Maybe it was the classical midlife crisis setting in! Anyway, I got out of a relationship which had definatly run its course, dumped a pretty good job in industry and decided it was time to start trying to follow a few of the dreams that had been lurking somewhere deep inside for as long as I can remember. I simply had the feeling that I´d been given a second (and last) chance and was bloody sure I was going to take it!
So I stopped earning decent money and started working with severly handicapped adults - and I love every minute. And I´ve got a really good band together (which would have been impossible in my earlier life) and a CD out which isnt selling badly at all.Lots of TV and radio coverage. And, and, and.....the list could go on and on!
Ok, so it isnt all a bed of roses.....crises come and crises go.....but its all down to weathering the storm and thats something I´ve learned to do pretty well.
But the most important thing - my relationship to my kids couldnt be better. Now that they are growing up, they are turning into really good friends and I´m getting to be very proud of them! So much so that my daughter, who is 14 and is going through a very difficult phase, has just camped herself down on my floor and has decided to move in with me. For good!! So I am now sharing my 30m² with 6 guitars, a banjo, a mandolin, and a daughter! Looks like the next couple of years could be veeeeery interesting. (Must start looking for a bigger flat!!)
So, what I´m trying to say - 40 is the time to take your chances, roll with the changes and make your life what YOU want it to be!
All the best,
John