Katherine Heigl Says She Is Pretty Damn Thrilled About Turning 40 Despite The Stigma Attach

While most women are reluctant to age, Katherine Heigl is embracing it. The former Grey’s Anatomy star turned 40 on Saturday, Nov. 24 and revealed she is “pretty damn thrilled” about celebrating her milestone birthday. You go, girl!

“Well… I am officially 40 years old,” Katherine wrote on Instagram. She then added, along with many other words, how excited she was to be turning 40 despite knowing that fans are “going [to] think I’m full of it.”

Growing old for Katherine means the exact opposite of just that. It adds a significant sense of power and confidence. “[Forty] feels to me like a certain kind of freedom. Freedom from all the self-doubt, insecurities, self-loathing, uncertainties, and anxieties of my 20s and 30s,” she admitted.

Well…I am officially 40 years old. I know you’re going think I’m full of it but the truth is…I’m pretty damn thrilled to be 40. For one thing, as my mother always says “Getting older is better then the alternative.” Too true mother, too true! For another thing 40 feels to me like a certain kind of freedom. Freedom from all the self doubt, insecurities, self loathing, uncertainties and anxieties of my 20’s and 30’s. Not to say I don’t still have those moments but I just feel like 40 makes me older and wiser. Steadier in my convictions. More certain of my strengths. More forgiving of my faults. I’ve spent the last five years of my 30’s doing the work to evolve my mind and spirit. To move my heart towards a more profound and loving expression of my best self. I’ve read, studied, explored and practiced ways to expand my understanding of myself and the world around me. I’ve clarified my deepest desires and found that all I really crave is well being. For myself and those I love. I know there’s a certain stigma attached to 40. I’ve had plenty of well meaning acquaintances and even strangers tell me not to worry I still look great. Or soon you’ll be 50 and then you’ll really feel old. Or youth is so fleeting isn’t it. I guess I kind of feel like it’s all about your frame of mind. And I’ve made up my mind not to let a number determine how I feel about the way I look. Or what my value as a woman in society is. I’ve decided I will let the number and every one after it determine the strides I make, the enlightenment I seek, the compassion I show, the beauty I radiate from within that grows and expands with life experience. I’m a stronger, better, more grounded and courageous woman today and I will do my best to continue to grow so I can say the same thing at 50, 60, 70 and beyond. It doesn’t hurt that I am surrounded by so many inspiring people who love me and support me through this life. Without them…well I’d still be floundering around in uncertainty. Ok, I’m done pontificating now. 😏❤️ #thoseheavenlydays are making every year of your life matter as best you can.

A post shared by Katherine Heigl (@katherineheigl) on Nov 25, 2018 at 9:35am PST

The 27 Dresses star also dedicated her birthday post to recognizing the lessons she’s learned over the years. “I’ve spent the last five years of my 30s doing the work to evolve my mind and spirit. To move my heart towards a more profound and loving expression of my best self. I’ve read, studied, explored, and practiced ways to expand my understanding and the world around me,” the actress continued. “I’ve clarified my deepest desires and found that all I really crave is well being. For myself and those I love.”

Katherine’s words were so convincing and empowering, we wouldn’t be surprised if some of her followers are now wishing they’re 21-going-on-40. However, the actress didn’t shy away from the fact that “there’s a certain stigma attached” to turning 40. “I’ve had plenty [of] well-meaning acquaintances and even strangers tell me not to worry I still look great,” Katherine said. “Or soon you’ll be 50 and then you’ll really feel old or youth is so fleeting, isn’t it. I’ve made up my mind not to let a number determine how I feel about the way I look. Or what my value as a woman in society is.”

Katherine urged her fans to know that her self-reflection has made her “a stronger, better, more grounded, and courageous woman” and that she “will do my best to continue to grow so I can say the same thing at 50, 60, 70, and beyond.”

Katherine’s husband, Josh Kelley, also celebrated his superstar wife by sharing photos similar to the ones Katherine posted. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet lil’ partner in crime, @KatherineHeigl!! We had so much fun last night and now my brain hurts,” he wrote in on Instagram.

It looks like Katherine has really honed in on how she plans to live her life to the fullest — we can’t wait to see how the blonde-haired beauty celebrates her future birthdays!

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