Beyoncé wrote an emotional letter to her fans a little more than two weeks after her 40th birthday. In the letter, the singer reflects on her life and the various lessons she’s learned in four decades on this earth.

Beyoncé, known for maintaining her privacy, opened up to her fans about her career of hard work and how it feels to enjoy the harvest of her labor finally.

“There’s a freedom and liberation knowing that I’ve made it to the other side of my sacrifice. I’m finally giving myself permission to enjoy the seeds I’ve worked so hard to plant my whole life,” she wrote in the letter that is posted on her website.

Aging often comes with a stigma. This is doubly so for women and triply so for famous women.

But understanding the purpose and having a precise aim can allow the aging process to be much simpler. For example, back in 2011, Beyonce said

that before she turned 40, she would love to have children. She also said that she wanted to be a director.

Since then, the talented entertainer has become a mother of three children and directed projects such as the HBO documentary Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé.

One of the most significant birthday gifts is knowing that you are on the right road. In her letter, Beyoncé set the record straight that the stereotype of women drying up at 40 is nonsense.

“Whoever tried to condition women to feel that we are supposed to be old or unhappy when we turn 40 got it ALL THE WAY F’D UP. This has absolutely been the best I’ve felt in my life,” she wrote.

Beyoncé’s letter reminds us that taking the time to reflect upon life and being grateful is always a good practice, no matter who you are.

Forty is fabulous!