16 Unexpected Ways Life Gets Better After 40

16 Unexpected Ways Life Gets Better After 40

Hitting 40 gets a bad rap, but life can get surprisingly better during this decade. Suddenly, you care less about nonsense and can confidently embrace who you are. From stronger friendships to a better handle on stress and the freedom to say no unapologetically, some unexpected joys await you in your 40s and beyond.

1. You Stop Caring About Other People’s Opinions

In your 40s, you finally embrace the amazing freedom of not giving a damn. You do things because you want to, not to seek external validation. This newfound confidence opens up opportunities and some seriously good sleep.

2. You Say “No” Guilt-Free

No” is a complete sentence and one you finally feel comfortable using. Your time and energy are precious; you’re no longer afraid to protect them. Saying no to things that drain you without guilt is incredibly liberating and opens up room for things that matter.

3. Your Friendship Circle Changes

Gone are the days of maintaining superficial friendships just for the sake of it. Your 40s solidify your true friend circle – the ones who’ve been there through thick and thin, who make time for you and lift you. Quality over quantity becomes your motto when it comes to friendships.

4. You Naturally Become More Mindful

The small moments suddenly hold so much more meaning. Whether it’s a good cup of coffee, time in nature, or a laugh with loved ones, you start savoring the simple things. This newfound appreciation leads to true contentment that fancy cars and big achievements could never match.

5. You Embrace Your Laughter Lines

Carefree couple having fun while laughing and taking a walk in spring day.

Wrinkles, gray hairs, whatever – it just doesn’t matter as much anymore. You start to appreciate the wisdom and experience your body reflects. You realize that aging is a privilege, and you’ve earned those laughter lines and those well-lived years.

6. You Start a Self-Care Routine

You realize that caring for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. You make time for things that nourish your body and soul, whether exercise, therapy or just some solo time with a good book. Investing in yourself pays off in improved physical and mental well-being, setting you up for an amazing next chapter.

7. You Start Honoring Yourself and Your Flaws

Social media can take a hike. You realize everyone’s journey is different, and comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel is a recipe for unhappiness. You focus on your path and goals, finding deeper fulfillment in your accomplishments.

8. You Have Some Bread

Here is my salary! Close-up photo of a young girl in a yellow hoodie, smiling with her eyes, hiding her face behind big amount of money in her hands.

All those years of hard work are finally paying off. Maybe you’re making more money, have paid off some debt, or are better at budgeting. That newfound financial stability unlocks exciting possibilities and brings a greater sense of security.

9. You Start Slaying Stress

Life has thrown you some curveballs, and you’ve learned how to roll with them. You develop coping mechanisms and realize that stress doesn’t have to derail you. This resilience makes facing life’s challenges a whole lot easier.

10. You Finally Discover Your Style

woman walking in city with shopping bags

Finally, you can toss those dated trends. You realize that style is about what makes you feel good and confident. You gravitate towards well-made pieces, embrace your taste, and develop a signature look that’s yours.

11. You’ve Learned to Breathe

Traffic jams? Late emails? Minor annoyances that used to set you off don’t matter as much anymore. You embrace the bigger picture and focus your energy on the things you can control, enjoying a much more peaceful existence.

12. You Chase Meaning Not Money

Fancy gadgets lose appeal, and you become more excited about creating memories than acquiring stuff. Traveling, trying new things, and spending quality time with loved ones become your priorities, leading to a life filled with experiences you’ll cherish forever.

13. You Sharpen Your Communication Skills

You don’t waste time playing games or beating around the bush as you age. Whether it’s with your partner, boss, or friends, you get better at communicating your needs and desires directly and respectfully. This helps avoid misunderstandings and leads to stronger relationships.

14. You Become a Master or Reinvention

Whether it’s a career you always wanted to try or moving to a new city, it’s never too late! You realize the beauty of change and embrace the possibilities for reinvention at any stage in life. Stepping outside your comfort zone becomes an adventure, not a source of fear.

15. You Make Peace with Aging

mom bods

Instead of fighting the inevitable, you embrace aging with grace (and maybe a great skincare routine!). You focus on staying healthy and active and appreciate the depth of experience each year brings. Turning 40 doesn’t feel like an ending but rather a new and exciting beginning.

16. Your Sense of Humor Peaks

Your 40s bring a newfound appreciation for the absurd, the silly, and the downright hilarious. You find yourself laughing easily and often, both at yourself and the world around you. It turns out that laughter is the best medicine.

Gail is Bolde's social media and partnership manager, as well as an all-around behind-the-scenes renaissance woman. She worked for more than 25 years in her city's local government before making the switch to women's lifestyle and relationship sites, initially at HelloGiggles before making the switch to Bolde.