If I were a Mexican man, I most probably would not be writing this post. That is because in Mexico, men usually do not make too much fuss when they turn 41 as “being 41” is traditionally meant that you are a gay man.

Did you know that this actually has created statistical issues in Mexico because 41 year old men simply give their age as 40 or 42 when they participate in market research or demographic censi?

Anyway, I am not a man, so today that I turn 41 I felt inspired to think of those things why being a woman over 40 is so special. I wrote a post in Spanish for 40ymas.com and here below is the translation.

I know that this might come as a surprise to many following my ramblings before my 40th birthday just over a year ago. But hey, one is supposed to get wiser with age!

I’m grateful today ..

1. For my daughter. The light of my life and the reason of my existence.
2. For my mom. For her love and support despite the many miles between us.
3. For my dad. The angel that protects me and the little devil that inspires me.
4. For my sister. Because she simply is.
5. Because I am now aware that there are no coincidences but “causalities” (effects). Things do not “happen to me” by accident, I cause them.
6. Because I’m learning to take responsibility for my life. If I am happy and there is love in my life it is because I choose to be, to give and to receive it. If I am not happy and there is no love in my life, it is because I choose not to be, not to give and not to receive it.
7. Because I know my body better than ever and recognize that it needs exercise and a proper diet for me to feel and look good.
8. Because I usually like what I see in the mirror.
9. Because on the days that I look in the mirror and I do not like what I see, I simply stop looking.
10. Because finally I’ve realized that I deserve to spoil myself and to be spoiled.
11. Because I’ve had the opportunity to live in many countries and learn from many cultures.
12. Because my loved ones and I have good health.
13. For that wonderful man who complements me and who exists somewhere in the world.
14. Because I know that one day we will meet.
15. For all that will happen after we meet.
16. For my true friends. Those who are not there for a reason or a season, but for a lifetime.
17. For my best friends and because they know well who they are.
18. Because I have enough experience in my work, I know how to do it well and this is recognized.
19. Because I still get excited when I have the opportunity to learn something new.
20. Because I am still interested in learning new things.
21. Because I feel more creative than ever.
22. Because I have the opportunity to use my creativity in positive and useful projects.
23. For those close to me who are involved in inspiring causes.
24. Because life gives me the opportunity to improve every day.
25. Because I enjoy being alone as much as I enjoy having company.
26. Because I’m never really alone.
27. Because despite everything I am still me.
28. Because a few years ago I took the toughest decision of my life and I do not regret it at all.
29. For the tears I shed before that decision.
30. For the tears I did not shed after that.
31. For the years that I have ahead of me.
32. For each of the years I’ve lived.
33. For all the mistakes I’ve made.
34. For all the mistakes I will make.
35. Because nowadays I rarely mind what others think of what I do or say.
36. Because I do not feel embarrassed anymore when I have to say “no”.
37. Because I never felt embarrassed to say yes.
38. Because I now realize that sometimes there are consequences when I say yes.
39. Because I enjoy following my heart.
40. Because when my heart has nothing to say, there are other hearts that inspire me to find the answers.
41. For 40ymas.com. A project that was born from a simple concern of mine and that today has a life of its own with a heart that beats to the rhythm of 12,000 wonderful Latin American women!