40 Things I Learnt at 40

Oh-oh, it's the big four-oh.

I turn 40 today. It is supposed to be a big sort of thing but honestly, I don't think it is such a big deal. In fact, I still feel that I am in my early 30's!

The way I see it, age is a blessing.

Sure, there are some sucky bits - more white hairs, deteriorating metabolism, congregation of wrinkles - but there are plenty of other aspects that are darn awesome too.

So yes, I AM READY. I have crossed the finish line to the race called "30's" and am ready to embrace the other side: the "40's" where I spend more time on what really matters (and waste less time in caring what other people think).

And along with being inducted into the 40-and-over club, comes with certain experiences and knowledge that I have learnt over the past 40 years. 40 things that I know now that I wished my younger self knew.

1. Never miss the chance to tell the people you love how much you love them.

2. When self-doubt creeps in, just go do it.

3. Friends who stick by you since school days, are friends for life.

4. Gratitude is the key to happiness.

5. Be positive.

6. I'll have wrinkles, but I won't have acne! See, I'm being positive.

7. Be kind.

8. See the good in people.

9. It’s okay to say no and not feel bad – but it’s hard sometimes to not feel bad and that’s okay too.

10. Nutella always tastes better on a spoon.

11. Never waste calories or fat on yucky food. Because...

12. My washing machine has been stealthily shrinking my clothes all these years.

13. Laugh as much as possible (Just not at people).

14. I can never please everyone.

15. Kopi, not alchohol, rules.

16. Being patient can be rewarding.

17. Always back up your gigabytes of photos.

18. Sometimes you have to put things in the "I don't know" folder.

19. Trust your gut.

20. My wife's shoes and clothes multiply when I'm not looking.

21. When it comes to my kids, listen more and talk less.

22. Kids really do grow up too darn fast.

23. Kids do not listen what we say. They watch what we do, and learn.

24.  My love for my kids is unconditional.

25. But sometimes, they need a gentle kick in the butt (or pull of the hair) to get back on track.

26. A two-year-old’s voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

27. Carrying a baby is a great way to start a conversation with strangers.

28. Whenever planning to go out with kids, think of the time it will take everyone to get ready and double it. Even then, we will still be late.

29. Fear is sometimes conquered better with kids. Like going on my first roller-coaster ride only after becoming a Dad.

30. Love can get you to do some things that you never imagined yourself doing. Like serving tea to Barney or changing clothes for Barbie.

31. Dessert is so much sweeter when you have to earn it by eating all your vegetables.

32. Hey, a little flexibility sometimes can’t hurt - it is okay to have ice cream in the morning too!

33. You can never have too many McDonald’s serviettes in your car.

34. Work-life balance involves sacrifice. Tons of it.

35. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, let alone anything.

36. Health is indeed wealth.

37. Old school gestures - like sending a hand-written note, or holding the door open for someone - still do have an impact.

38. Pressing 'Ctrl' and '+' together zooms in on websites. (Especially useful in the years ahead)

39. The only thing that limits you at a certain age is your mind. Think you’re old, and you will be.

40. There is no greater legacy than the love of a family.

This is it then. A new chapter, but the same life goes on.

This. Is. 40.