Turning “Forty” with Emily Maroutian

In this enlightening interview, we sit down with Emily Maroutian, an acclaimed author, poet, and philosopher known for her profound insights on emotional regulation, self-care, and personal growth. With a journey marked by overcoming early childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety, Emily’s writings have resonated deeply with readers worldwide. 

Her latest book, “Forty,” continues her tradition of blending personal experience with universal wisdom, offering a compelling narrative on aging gracefully and embracing authenticity. Join us as we delve into the mind of a writer who has dedicated her life to healing and uplifting others through her powerful words.

Emily, when you first released “Thirty,” did you know it would become a series?

No, honestly, I thought Thirty would be a standalone book. I only wanted to take the quotes I posted on Instagram and compile them into a quote book. I loved quote books growing up and I wanted to create one of my own. Then, when the idea came to call it “Thirty,” I sat down and wrote more quotes for it. At one point, I had a flash of a vision for Forty, Fifty, Sixty, Seventy, and even Eighty, but I quickly dismissed it. I didn’t want to take on a lifelong endeavor. I thought it would be a one-off quote book. 

How has your journey from ages thirty to forty influenced the content and tone of your new book?

Forty encompasses a lot of insights about various topics like identity, relationships, finding the right path, and authenticity. There are a lot of passages on being authentically yourself. For the longest time, I thought I was authentic, but my thirties showed me all the ways I could be more me. I didn’t know there was more me. I thought I knew myself. I’m pretty bold and courageous when it comes to my identity. I’m self-aware. And I’m not shy about digging through my shadows to find healing and wisdom. But, I had to get very real about who I was and what I wanted from life. How do I want to live my life moving forward? What do I want to experience every day? Why did I want that? Were those desires mine, or were they borrowed from someone else? My thirties forced me to review myself, my motivations, and my intentions.

What are some of the key lessons or pieces of wisdom you’ve gained as a woman who just completed her thirties?

I think there’s a power shift that happens in your thirties. I don’t know how many women go through this but it certainly happened for me. You just let go of the idea of being liked by others, about being accepted by others. Something happens internally where you realize that you don’t want to waste your precious time and energy trying to please everyone else. They can’t be pleased; they have toplease themselves. It’s not your job. We’re programmed to make everyone else comfortable with our choices, our opinions, our lives, and the way we move in the world. We become small, quiet, and agreeable. We don’t want to disturb anyone. But I think if who you are disturbs others, that’s their problem. Once you get to that place, the power shifts back to you. That’s what happened in my thirties. 

What message do you hope readers take away from “Forty” as they navigate their own lives and milestones?

The whole book is about personal freedom and how the power is yours. Whether you’re thirty, or forty, or any other age, it’s up to you to create the life you want. Your happiness, your purpose, success, joy, everything you want in life is up to you. You can’t wait for it to fall into your lap or beg others to give it to you. It has to be you. You are the chosen one. Why give anyone else that much power over you? Make the decision, then make your move. Keep moving until you get there. 

How do you feel your perspective on aging has changed since you wrote “Thirty”?

If I lived to be eighty, half of my life would be done by now. I spent it writing, creating, pouring my energy into healing myself and uplifting others. If I spend another forty years doing that, I’d call it complete. I already think of myself as successful so age doesn’t mean anything to me. Physically, I don’t mind getting older. I knew plenty of people who didn’t see forty. I lost a lot of friends in my younger years so I’m not upset about making it this far. I didn’t even think I would make it this far so I think it should be a celebration. Growing old doesn’t scare me, wasted potential scares me. 

Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to women who are approaching their forties?

Don’t waste another decade not doing what you love with your own time and energy. Find something that feeds your passion and life. Recharge yourself creatively. Give to yourself. Remember, you’re the main character of your life. This story is about you. How do you want it to unfold? How do you want it to end? Write it. Love it. Live it.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or projects you’re excited about as you enter this new decade of your life?

Right now, I don’t know. My mind is in a different place now and I’m a little bit tired of writing about the same subjects. I may venture into a different genre or go back to philosophy. I’m waiting for the creativity Gods to bless me with new ideas. I actually can’t wait to see what I write in the next ten years. I feel like a different person now than I’ve ever been. I think I’m going to surprise myself.

Forty offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a writer who continues to inspire and uplift through her words. Her journey from thirty to forty is not just a personal odyssey but a universal story of growth, resilience, and the enduring quest for meaning. Forty is out now on Amazon and in bookstores worldwide. https://amzn.to/3yqosES

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