Katherine Heigl feels 'stronger,' 'more grounded' on 40th birthday

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Katherine Heigl is feeling "stronger" and "more grounded" at age 40.

The actress reflected on her change and growth in an Instagram post Sunday on her 40th birthday.

"40 feels to me like a certain kind of freedom. Freedom from all the self-doubt, insecurities, self-loathing, uncertainties and anxieties of my 20s and 30s," Heigl wrote. "Steadier in my convictions. More forgiving of my faults.

"I've spent the last five years of my 30s doing the work to evolve my mind and spirit. To move my heart toward a more profound and loving expression of my best self.

The Grey's Anatomy alum said she's "read, studied, explored and practiced ways" to expand her understanding of herself and the world around her.

"I've decided I will let the number and every one after it determine the strides I make, the enlightenment I seek, the compassion I show, the beauty I radiate from within that grows and expands with life experience," Heigl said.

"I'm a stronger, better, more grounded and courageous woman today and I will do my best to continue to grow so I can say the same thing at 50, 60, 70 and beyond," she added. "It doesn't hurt that I am surrounded by so many inspiring people who love me and support me through this life."

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Well...I am officially 40 years old. I know you’re going think I’m full of it but the truth is...I’m pretty damn thrilled to be 40. For one thing, as my mother always says “Getting older is better then the alternative.” Too true mother, too true! For another thing 40 feels to me like a certain kind of freedom. Freedom from all the self doubt, insecurities, self loathing, uncertainties and anxieties of my 20’s and 30’s. Not to say I don’t still have those moments but I just feel like 40 makes me older and wiser. Steadier in my convictions. More certain of my strengths. More forgiving of my faults. I’ve spent the last five years of my 30’s doing the work to evolve my mind and spirit. To move my heart towards a more profound and loving expression of my best self. I’ve read, studied, explored and practiced ways to expand my understanding of myself and the world around me. I’ve clarified my deepest desires and found that all I really crave is well being. For myself and those I love. I know there’s a certain stigma attached to 40. I’ve had plenty of well meaning acquaintances and even strangers tell me not to worry I still look great. Or soon you’ll be 50 and then you’ll really feel old. Or youth is so fleeting isn’t it. I guess I kind of feel like it’s all about your frame of mind. And I’ve made up my mind not to let a number determine how I feel about the way I look. Or what my value as a woman in society is. I’ve decided I will let the number and every one after it determine the strides I make, the enlightenment I seek, the compassion I show, the beauty I radiate from within that grows and expands with life experience. I’m a stronger, better, more grounded and courageous woman today and I will do my best to continue to grow so I can say the same thing at 50, 60, 70 and beyond. It doesn’t hurt that I am surrounded by so many inspiring people who love me and support me through this life. Without them...well I’d still be floundering around in uncertainty. Ok, I’m done pontificating now. 😏❤️ #thoseheavenlydays are making every year of your life matter as best you can.
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A post shared by Katherine Heigl (@katherineheigl) on Nov 25, 2018 at 9:35am PST

Heigl spent her birthday at a candlelit dinner with her husband, singer Josh Kelley. The couple married in December 2007 and are parents to three children, 10-year-old daughter Nancy, 6-year-old daughter Adalaide and 23-month-old son Joshua.

"#thoseheavenly days are all about embracing the chaotic, messy, giggling, shouting, snuggling times with your toddler," Heigl wrote on Instagram in September after an outing with her son.

Heigl is known for playing Izzie Stevens in Seasons 1 through 6 of Grey's Anatomy. She portrays Samantha Wheeler on the USA Network series Suits.