Beyoncé turns 40, says she’s ‘grateful to be grown’ in inspiring letter

Pop music icon Beyoncé has turned a year older as she celebrated her 40th birthday on September 4, and the superstar recently took to social media to reveal that the new age has brought a sense of freedom to her in an open letter.

The Crazy In Love singer posted her inspiring letter on her Twitter handle and it reads, “This is the first year that I really understand what it means to be alive and to live in the moment.”

“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. I thought I knew that at 21 or 30...but I didn't.”

Reflecting on her personal growth and life lessons learned so far, she continued, “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.”

"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," said the Flawless singer, adding, "I'm so grateful to be GROWN, GROWN!"