When Mary Frances McGraw, owner of a life and business improvement consulting business, turned 40 four years ago, it felt like any other birthday. Since she's never been one to shy from sharing her age, she didn't give it much thought. The only difference between her 30s and 40s was the subtle shifts in her self-esteem that fostered an even healthier outlook on living. "I like that I feel I can speak my mind without worry much more than I did when I was younger. I also don't worry about things as much as I did even a few years ago. I'm definitely more confident and accepting now of others and things that happen in life. I also don't tolerate as much bad behavior from others as I once did," she shares. Her only struggle turning 40 has been watching her friends' parents pass away, and also accepting she might not have children of her own. "We chose not to do fertility treatments when we weren't having success trying to conceive," she shared. "But we have decided that as my business grows, we'll look into fostering/adopting a child who needs a loving home."

Image via Mary Frances McGraw

When personal trainer and nutrition coach Lea Thompson imagined her 40th birthday, she had it all mapped out. She'd spend it in New York City, ringing in the New Year with a cake made by Buddy from "The Cake Boss" and party the week away until she blew out her candles on January 6. But the universe had a different plan; instead, she was home preparing to become a mom, thanks to a surprise pregnancy. As she reached this part of her life, she began thinking about not only her growing family, but her career. After two setbacks in her 30s, she was inspired to truly discover her calling. "I found out what I was really passionate about, which was helping others reach their goals in their health and wealth, and made a business out of helping women become life and world changers through my business. It's truly the best gig in town and I look forward to working with women and having them be able to advance in their lives," she said.

Image via Lea Thompson

For author Beth Brykman, her 20s and early 30s were focused on building her career, working long hours and moving up the so-called corporate ladder. Then in her mid-30s, she began to have children, a decision that would change her perspective on work. When her husband's headquarters moved across the country, Brykman made the choice to stay at home with the children. That's when, at the age of 40, she wondered if she could create a career from her home.

"I had the experience, I had the know-how, but did I have the nerve? Not having any business contacts [in my new town], and with two small children at home, I sent out letters/resumes, made phone calls and accepted interviews leading to a 20-hour per week consulting practice. That was my big surprise! If you had asked me at age 35 if I would run my own business, I would definitely have said, 'No.' It was my solution to the issue of mixing motherhood and a career," she shared. "I found the experience of starting up my own business empowering, making me feel as though I could do anything. Being a seasoned professional made it possible. I lost all fear of trying new and difficult things in my 40s."

Image via Beth Brykman

When career and life coach Allison Task stared down her 35th year, she decided to have children on her own, since no stable partner was in sight. But as soon as she attended some meetings and browsed sperm donors online, the right man showed up and asked her out on LinkedIn. At 39 they married, and she gave birth at 40. Her previous life of travel, intrigue, dating and career growth took a different route in her 40s -- especially with a 3-year-old, two 4-year-olds and a 16-year-old stepchild. "There were things in my life that had been unknown that were now known -- my husband, my children, where I live and want to put down roots. When you have stability in key areas, that frees you up to have more fun and explore in other areas," she shared. "Until 40 I was free and spontaneous. But that freedom gave me stress about all the unknowns. I enjoyed putting down roots as I turned 40. That certainty, for me, was true freedom."

Image via Allison Task