[Monkey\_Business\_Images](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-314857169/stock-photo-female-architect-using-tablet-computer-looking-to-camera.html)
At age 40, you know who you are. You accept your strengths and know how to use your weaknesses to your advantage. Outside approval is no longer needed or desired. Instead, you look to yourself for validation and answers to difficult questions. This increased self confidence is one of the most empowering ways to know that[ life begins at 40](http://news.health.com/2015/09/02/6-things-that-happen-when-you-turn-40/). You stand taller, speak clearer and know that you are heard.
Reduced Comparisons
[bikeriderlondon](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-150198683/stock-photo-portrait-of-happy-middle-aged-female-friends-enjoying-vacation-at-beach.html)At this point in life, you stop comparing yourself to other people. In your 20’s and 30’s, your thoughts turned to “Do I have the right car?” or “Shouldn’t I be married with children by now?” These comparisons of your journey with others were a waste of time. You have your perfect individual path through this life, and at 40 you realize that comparing yourself to others is pointless. So, you no longer waste your time or energy on this. Instead, you enjoy where you are in this beautiful moment.
Increased Laughter
[Monkey\_Business\_Images](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-289805117/stock-photo-group-of-friends-eating-dinner-at-rooftop-restaurant.html)You find you laugh more in your 40’s. Maybe there is more to laugh at, your sense of humor has improved, or you finally realize that life is not so serious. Laughter boosts your mood and can alter the course of a bad day if you let it. Plus, you already have faint laugh lines around your eyes so a few more won’t matter to enjoy the benefits of a good laugh. Read a funny book, watch a funny movie or laugh at your co-workers silly joke. It doesn’t hurt to smile at strangers either to improve both of your moods.
Improved Strength
[Yeko\_Photo\_Studio](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-112513211/stock-photo-middle-age-woman-relaxing-with-tablet-comper-at-home.html)Your muscles may not respond the way they used to, but you are stronger. You are also more resilient since you have decades of experiences from which you have learned the right and wrong way to succeed. In your 40’s, you believe in your path. You know why you’ve made your choices and believe that you are living the best life for you. This strength is invaluable as you proceed through the next four decades of life.
Decreased Insecurity
[Monkey\_Business\_Images](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-289811525/stock-photo-female-restaurant-manager-working-at-counter.html)“How do I look?” or “Do these jeans make me look fat?” So much wasted thoughts on unnecessary insecurity. In this fourth decade, you believe in being healthy and are doing all you can to improve your well-being. You eat a healthy diet and are physically active. Now, you accept the way you look and who you are. This acceptance brings such freedom and power. You no longer operate from an insecure position or make decisions based on your imperfections. You embrace who you are and are thankful for a body and mind that are healthy, strong and able to move.
Enhanced Self-Belief
[michaeljung](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-308494295/stock-photo-happy-senior-female-hiker-enjoying-outdoor-activity.html)In other words, you know who you are. Your experiences have shaped you into a beautiful, strong and confident woman. Your belief in yourself shines through in all areas of your life. You are a better wife, daughter, mother, friend, worker and community member because you believe you bring value and a unique perspective to each situation. Plus, you are no longer afraid to stand up for yourself and remove yourself from harmful situations and relationships.
Embraced Sexual Awareness
[bikeriderlondon](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-143383954/stock-photo-side-view-of-happy-woman-looking-at-husband-while-lying-in-bed.html)One of the ways life begins at 40 is through increased sexual awareness. You draw upon years of experiences and now you know which positions are best for you. Plus, you are no longer hesitant to communicate with your partner the ways in which you want to experience pleasure. Your increased self-esteem carries over into the bedroom where you are free and open to new experiences too. If you are married or have been in a long-term relationship, your love life continues to improve as your comfort with your partner grows. This relaxed feeling continues throughout your 40’s and into your 50’s as your chances of conceiving reduce allowing you to focus on the moment.
Heightened Bravery
[Mike\_Heittola](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-68198272/stock-photo-middle-aged-man-sledding.html)You are brave. You have to be at age 40 to juggle children, work, partners, home and financial responsibilities. Your bravery encourages you to try new things at age 40. Now is the time to rock climb, zip-line or surf if you have been hesitant before. Believe in your mental and physical abilities to help you succeed. Bravery also helps you make personal choices such as leaving or starting a new job. You are no longer afraid to make changes because even if you fail, you know that you will get up and continue. Success is within your reach in all areas of your life and you are a brave warrior on your journey.
More Freedom
goodluzDuring this decade of life, your children need you less and your parents are still independent. Your responsibilities decrease which gives you more time and freedom to focus on you. Not that you are selfish, but you now have that extra hour or two a day to exercise, visit with friends, write your novel or go shopping. This freedom helps you discover more about yourself and can dramatically shape your future, so embrace it and do not feel guilty.
Greater Stability
[speedkingz](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-386100820/stock-photo-portrait-of-mature-couple-standing-outside-home.html)You are at a stable point in your life. You have the home you want, the partner you enjoy and a job that brings you happiness. You feel content and happy and are no longer searching for what is around the next corner. Hopefully at this point, you also have financial stability. This is not easy in our society, but if you have money to pay your bills, put food on your table and plan for your future, consider yourself stable and growing.
