Turning 40 Without a Breakdown (Just a Worksheet , Half Marathon + A Lot of Gratitude)
Did I cry crossing the finish line seeing these two? Yes, of course.
I turned 40 this week.
No dramatic haircut. No impulsive trip to Europe. No existential spiral in the mirror (okay, maybe one tiny one while tweezing a chin hair). I celebrated by running downhill in the rain for 13.1 miles.
Mostly, it looked like this: me sitting on our screened-in porch with a cup of coffee at sunrise, reflecting on life… and wondering if I remembered to pay the electric bill. (Spoiler: I didn’t. But I will. Probably.)
The truth is, I didn’t feel the need to blow up my life or set a million new goals. Because I genuinely love my life. I’ve built a career I’m proud of — The Coworking House is thriving and growing — I have a partner who’s all in, kids who are loud and hilarious and awesome, and I spent my 39th year putting my health first. While there’s always room for improvement, I’m stepping into 40 feeling better than I have in years.
But here’s the thing: I do believe in pausing. In checking in. In asking, “What am I giving my energy to? And is it working?”
So I sat down with my coffee, my notebook, and a little free time (a birthday miracle), and started jotting down what I want this next year to feel like. What I want to focus on. And what I want to let go of.
Out of that journaling session came five personal missions — simple statements that help me filter my time, energy, and decisions. Not resolutions. Not rules. Just reminders.
My Personal Missions for Year 40:
✨ Build Wealth, Build Freedom
We’re automating investments, tracking our net worth like adults who know their logins, and building long-term options — not stress. We started using Monarch Money app last year whe Mint went away and have been happy with the full picture view it gives us! (psst - affiliate link here for 50% off!)
🏃♀️ Run Toward Joy
I’m running three times a week. Not for a race. Not for weight loss. But because it makes me feel alive. (And slightly calmer at school drop-off.) This fits in nicely around my 2x/week lifting workouts with Alicia at Endurafit, and brings me mental joy.
🥗 Eat for Energy, Not Emotion
Food is fuel, not therapy. (Except on pizza night. Then it’s both.) I’m experimenting until it feels good and sustainable. Honestly, I worked with a nutritionist last year, and it was eye opening. I highly recommend Holly Brassett - insurance covered!!
🏢 CoHo Grows Because I Do
I’m treating CoHo like the national brand it’s becoming — and myself like the visionary it deserves. One bold move each week.
🌸 Everyday Magic Matters
Coffee on the porch. Fresh flowers in the bathroom. A text that makes someone smile. I’m living for the micro-joys.
One of my goals for this year is to write more — and to share more of what’s actually happening behind the scenes. So starting this week, I’ll be sending a short email every Monday to other working moms who are building businesses, raising humans, and trying to make life a little more aligned (and a little less exhausting).
Each week, I’ll share:
What’s working
What’s not
One small reminder to make your life easier and more joyful
To kick it off, I’m sharing the exact worksheet I used to reflect on turning 40. It includes journaling prompts, guiding themes, and simple mission ideas. It’s free, printable, and designed for women like us — the ones doing all the things and still wanting to do them well.
👉 Click here to grab the 40th Year Reset Worksheet and get on the list.
Here’s to thoughtful check-ins, flexible goals, and the kind of life that feels like yours.
xo,
Kristin