Recognising that age is something to be embraced, Beyoncé, the pop icon, who rang in age 40 on September 4, reflected on her milestone birthday in a rare heartfelt letter to fans.

In the open letter, released on her website on Thursday (September 23), she noted: “I’m finally giving myself permission to enjoy the seeds I’ve worked so hard to plant my whole life.”

Expressing that this is the first year she really understood, “what it means to be alive and live in the moment,” the Lemonade singer explained that for the first time, “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”.

Acknowledging how grateful she is to be “GROWN, GROWN” the 40-year-old stated: “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.”

Thanking her fans who have brought joy to her life, the mother of three stated: “Most of yall met me when I was 15, and we have grown up together. You bring sooooo much joy into my life. I hope my art can continue to bring a little joy into yours.”

“I’m so thankful for every inspiring human who took the time to send me all the beautiful messages,” said Beyonce. “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.”

She added: “I admire and respect all of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”