What It Really Means to Love Yourself After 40

TrueSelf in Flip-Flops: One woman’s barefoot journey to self-love & salty freedom

“I’ve spent most of my life giving to others. But what about me?”

If you’re a woman in your 40s (or somewhere fabulously beyond), I’m guessing this thought has crossed your mind more than once — possibly while folding laundry, answering work emails, or wondering if this is really what life was meant to feel like.

After years of being the glue, the planner, the caregiver, the fixer, the peacekeeper (sound familiar?) — something starts to shift. The old roles don’t quite fit anymore.

The mask starts to itch.

Welcome, beautiful soul, to your barefoot self-love awakening. Flip-flops optional.

Honesty essential.

Loving Yourself After 40 Hits Different

This isn’t the spa-day, cucumber-water kind of self-love (though hey, those are still delightful). This is the gritty, grace-filled, real-life version.

After 40, self-love looks more like:

• Forgiving yourself for abandoning your own needs

• Saying no and not spiralling into guilt about it

• Releasing the urge to fix everyone (even your adult children or that one friend who always brings drama)

• Reclaiming the woman you were before the world told you who to be

It’s not about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you are — and deciding she’s worth everything.

7 Signs You’re Actually Loving Yourself (Even If It Feels Messy)

Inspired by Ho’oponopono (the beautiful Hawaiian practice of healing and forgiveness), here’s what real self-love might look like:

• Awareness – You name the hard stuff instead of shoving it down

• Forgiveness – You whisper: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”

• Gratitude – You notice the tiny joys (like hot coffee or a good sunset cry)

• Letting Go – You stop dragging things that were never yours to carry

• Self-Compassion – You talk to yourself like someone you actually like

• Inner Peace – You let yourself just be, even if the dishes aren’t done

• Reflection – You look back with softness, not shame

Grab the free Self-Healing Checklist here – for tiny daily reminders that your healing is happening.

Checklist_Hooponopono_EN.pdf

Download PDF • 18KB

Why Forgiveness Is the Real MVP of Self-Love

I see it all the time: brilliant, brave women weighed down by guilt, resentment, and endless what-ifs.

Why didn’t I leave sooner? Why did I shrink myself? Is it too late to start over?

Listen — you are not behind. You are right on time.

That’s why I wrote Love Yourself Through Forgiveness — a book for women who are ready to put the bags down and walk lighter.

💌 Get your copy here – and start loving yourself where you are https://amzn.eu/d/ayBU0Iq

💔 From Burnout to Barefoot Breakthroughs

Loving yourself after 40 isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming real.

You don’t need to fix everything. You just need to come home to yourself.

(Preferably somewhere near the ocean.)

Real words from real women:

“This book felt like a hug from my wiser self.” — Joanna, 47 

“Adrianna gave me permission to rest without guilt. That changed everything.” — Kate, 51

Ready to Begin Your TrueSelf Journey?

If this resonates with your soul (and maybe makes you laugh a little too), I’d love to offer you a free 30-minute coaching session. No pressure. Just real talk, gentle guidance, and maybe a bit of barefoot wisdom.

📖 Click here to book your free session https://trueselfcompass.wixsite.com/adaada/contact

💞 Final Thought: You Deserve a Life That Feels Like Yours

Self-love after 40 isn’t a luxury — it’s a spiritual necessity.

And no, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to say yes to you.

Because the truth is: You were never lost. You were just waiting to be chosen — by the one person who matters most.

You.

💫 With love (and salty toes), 

Ada Adrianna