Photo credit: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Beyoncé says she loves being 40 and feels it has brought her a sense of freedom.

In a rare handwritten letter to fans, shared via her website, Beyoncé said she’s grateful to be grown and refuses to listen to the notion that women are supposed to feel “unhappy or old” once they reach 40.

“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,” Bey wrote, adding: “This has absolutely been the best I’ve felt in my life. I’m so grateful to be GROWN, GROWN!”

“The more mature I become, the more I understand and the deeper my joy grows. There’s 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.”

The Grammy award-winning artist also thanked her devoted fans for their continued support, birthday posts, and messages. “Most of y’all 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,” she said.

Check out the entire letter above or HERE.