Beyoncé Reflects on Turning 40: ‘This Is the Best I’ve Felt in My Life’

Beyoncé is feeling better than ever.

As Virgo season comes to an end, the superstar is reflecting on turning 40 and all the blessings in her life. In a handwritten letter posted on her website Thursday, she thanked the BeyHive for all their birthday wishes.

“I’m so thankful for every inspiring human who took the time to send me all the beautiful messages,” wrote Bey. “I cried tears of joy and was covered in chilly bumps. Your videos, your posts, your countdowns, your playlists, and your well wishes, I will cherish forever. I’m grateful to everyone involved, especially the fans for the time and level of detail it took to organize such beautiful tributes. I admire and respect all of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Bey, who turned 40 on Sept. 4, went on to recall how the past year has changed her. “This is the first year that I really understand what it means to be alive and to live in the moment,” she said. “It’s the first time that I have an understanding of how fragile life truly is, how hard life can be at times, and therefore how important it is to stop and smell the roses during the good times.”

As she gets older, she is learning to appreciate the fruits of her labor. “I thought I knew that at 21 or 30…but I didn’t. The more mature I become, the more I understand and the deeper my joy grows. 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.”

Added Bey, “Whoever tried to condition women to feel that we are supposed to feel old or unhappy when we turn 40 got it ALL THE WAY F’D UP.”

In fact, she says this “has absolutely been the best I’ve felt in my life. I’m so grateful to be GROWN, GROWN!”

She ended the heartfelt note with a message to her beloved fans. “Most of y’all met me when I was 15, and we have grown up together. You bring sooooo much joy unto my life. I hope my art can continue to bring a little joy unto yours,” she said.

Beyoncé celebrated her 40th birthday by vacationing in the Mediterranean on a $400 million yacht with JAY-Z and their children, as well as her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, and best friend, Kelly Rowland.