What I love to share with you, are the portraits and words of the women who just turned 40. Everyone experiences their 40th birthday differently, and today I’m sharing Rachel’s thoughts on life.
Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
My name is Rachel Rust and allow me to start by sharing something funny about my last name. “Rust” means “calm” in Dutch… Uhm… well… I can assure you that calm is the last thing most people around me will say about me. ?
I’m a very active, spontaneous, hardworking, amusing, lovely, and dedicated mother of two. I love to sing, listen to, and dance to any type of music. It really brightens up my day. Going to the gym is also one of the things that brings me joy.
Lately, since the kids are now teenagers, and their independence is slowly but surely increasing, I find myself reflecting on inner peace. I ask myself existential questions like: is the person that I was then, the person that I am now? Do I like that person? And if I don’t, how to make that happen? What am I afraid of, and where do those fears come from? What do I need to grow mentally? And so on.
Although confronting, it is a fantastic journey that comes with a lot of frustration and vulnerability and new great feelings, insights, and new possibilities. A beautiful phase to be in, and I intend to embrace it.
What’s Your Career like?
I am a self-employed lash-and-brow stylist who owns a beauty salon in Almere. If you wonder how the whole beauty salon came about, I used to work at the AMC Medical Center after I finished my four-year study of “Higher Laboratory Education.” After 12 years, I quit my job because I knew I wanted my own business. I had a sabbatical for a year during which I had the time to find new ambitions.
How did you feel about turning 40?
The saying ‘life starts at forty’ really made me curious. I never thought that would be true, but it is. I feel so much better because I don’t let small issues bring me down like before. I have more peace in my life. I feel more balanced, and I try to do things I never even tried before, just like this photoshoot and interview. This is so out of my comfort zone, but so exciting at the same time. ‘Do everything that scares you’ is my new motto.
I feel blessed with the age of 40 because it really opens new doors for me.
Best/worst things about aging?
The best thing about aging is that I feel better mentally and physically, more relaxed, free, and happier. I believe this is the effect of being so much more in balance with my thoughts and feelings and letting go of old fears. I know who I am, what I need for myself, and what I can give to others.
The worst thing about aging is the little pains you get physically and the slower recovery.
What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?
I just plan to continue this path of self-exploration and hope to find further personal and mental growth. Besides the effects on myself, I can tell that everyone and everything around me also benefits my family. And I strive to see my business become even more successful than it is today.
What do you consider your most outstanding achievement?
On the personal side, mothering my girls and choosing for me. I am so happy to see them grow up as beautiful, smart teenagers. And in my personal case, putting my needs first. I was always busy trying to help others with their needs instead of mine.
On the professional side, my choosing to be self-employed. Everyone said I was crazy to leave my steady job to choose an uncertain situation. But I followed my heart, and I have no regrets at all.
What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?
First and most important…BE HAPPY, ENJOY LIFE, and SCREW FEAR. Make sure you love yourself and know who you are. Always know what you need to be happy.
Fear keeps you from being open-minded and keep you from growing. That is the foundation for the best version of you. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Go for any challenge that comes your way. It will make you grow, become stronger, and give you lots of insights. Life is so beautiful so enjoy it.
Strangest recent middle-of-the-night thought?
I don’t have many of those because I don’t often wake up in the middle of the night. I am a great sleeper. But when I do, it is often work-related, attracting more clients to my salon and booming my business.
Most fabulous new discovery?
My most famous new discovery is that I am more adventurous than I thought. I like to do new and exciting things, even if they seem scary. For example, I went with my kids to a fun forest. We climbed from tree to tree in different heights and descended from a rope from tree to tree. It was scary and so exciting at the same time. I was so proud. I also got my motorcycle driver’s license. What a fantastic feeling that was—freedom on the road.
What’s your current age and how old do you feel?
I am 40 years old, and I feel fabulous! ✨✨ They say 40 is the new 24. Well, I do think the saying is correct. I feel good, excited, happy, and full of energy. It’s not a bad age to have at all. I love it!
