I've just turned 42. Quite depressing on the one hand, but on the other I find myself at the beginning of a new phase in my life and am looking forward to what the second half of my life will bring. I have plans and it's actually quite exciting, but it has definitely been a time of reflection.

Recently pretty much everyone I know has gone through some sort of upheaval. I think it's our age. Your forties are when you're strong enough to take stock of your life, your achievements, your failures, your relationships. You find yourself taking a look at what you've done and what you haven't and saying, right, this has to stop or right, I'm going to make sure I actually enjoy my forties.

I can't speak for men, but I think for women it's also a time when we are able to feel in control and there's a very distinct shift of power in relationships. It's definitely a time for change.

As women get older, they get more confidence and feel more in control. They may have had children, raised a family, and managed a home. They realise their own strengths and weaknesses and have the confidence to act. Recently I was sent the picture in this article on Facebook which really resonated with me.

The fantastic Regina Brett, author and columnist of the Plain Dealer wrote her now famous list "42 Lessons Life Taught Me" at my age, after her diagnosis of and treatment for breast cancer. It's been a big year for me too, the culmination of a rather long roller-coaster ride where I've had a child, lived in opposite corners of the world, run my own business and now, in my quiet little village in Spain, I have taken stock. And made some momentous decisions.

Sophie Cross is a public relations consultant and writer who has publicised and written about everything from makeup to The Muppets, child care to celebrity chefs and perfume to Partners in Population and Development! Originally from the UK and as a languages graduate she has worked around the world, living in Australia for the last 11 years where she runs, PR Chicks.

She lives and works remotely from her little piece of Spanish heaven in Chite, the Lecrin Valley, just south of Granada. And FYI it's pronounced "ch-ee-tay" not shite.

Read Sophie's blog

So having got this far, here is my version of Regina's 42 Lessons Life Taught Me. I'm not quite as worthy as Regina, and I don't hold her religious beliefs. I also imagine I swear lots more than she does, but hopefully a few things will strike a chord…

1. You can lose weight on a diet of caffeine and Digestive biscuits.
2. Dogs and cats are brilliant.
3. Never feed a stray cat unless you want it to move in, but treat all animals with compassion, not just the cute ones.
4. It's never too late and you're never too old.
5. Sanity and self-respect are better than settling. Never settle. It shows no self respect.
6. Never allow yourself to be bullied or intimidated.
7. Self pity is neither attractive nor helpful.
8. You have no one to blame but yourself.
9. You must absolutely follow your dreams.
10. Friends are amazing. Be good to yours.
11. Children are bloody annoying, but I wouldn't be without mine.
12. You'll feel so much better if you go for a walk.
13. If you have a problem, admit it and do something about it.
14. Once you make a momentous decision, you feel a huge sense of relief.
15. If a marriage is broken, moving will not fix it.
16. Swearing is bloody brilliant and a damn good tension reliever!
17. Laughter really is the best medicine.
18. You are at your most rational and compelling when arguing with yourself!
19. You are not responsible for everyone in your life.
20. You'll know when it's time.
21. Overindulgence is fine. As long as it's not all the time.
22. Everything in moderation.
23. Family will always be on your side.
24. Marriage does not survive infidelity. You can forgive, but never forget.
25. Texting, tweeting, posting or emailing when pissed is ALWAYS a bad idea!
26. Regrets are pointless. Mistakes are how we learn for the future.
27. Life really is what you make of it. You are in charge of your destiny.
28. Destiny's Child said: "I'm a survivor". I am. And so are you.
29. Never underestimate your own strength or resourcefulness.
30. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer is absolutely true.
31. Trust your instincts.
32. Count to ten before you shout. Then shout with clarity and conviction!
33. Cars are great places for telling off children and venting by yourself.
34. See the funny side and it will see you through everything.
35. Parents do not know it all. But sometimes they can make some sense!
36. Never press send. Just "Save Draft" until the morning.
37. Always have a pet. Pets make a home. And they can't talk back.
38. Talking to yourself is perfectly fine, as long as you eventually say it out loud.
39. You can change yourself, but you can't change other people.
40. Believe in yourself.
41. Sh*t happens. Deal with it and move on.
42. And as Brian said: "Always look on the bright side of life"!