I see a wiser person than when I was younger: having babies and passing 30 were the turning points. What women in their 40s - I am 39 - lack in gorgeousness they make up for in wisdom. I love ageing despite the drawbacks - thinner drier skin.
My mom used to make everything. She had a great garden and composted and made everything from scratch - peanut butter bread jelly everything. I don't know how she did it because all those things take time and love and labour. I only do half the stuff she does - but there's still time.