How to create a life you love after 40

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” – George Bernard Shaw

Forty. It’s a milestone age for most women. For some, it’s a time to reflect on all that has been accomplished in life so far. For others, it may be a time of uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead.

No matter which camp you fall into, it’s important to remember that 40 is just another number – and it’s definitely not the end of the world, although it can feel like the “official” entryway to midlife. For many women, this is the decade when life starts to change. Your children are grown, you’ve gone as far as you can go in your job, and you’re toying with the idea of change and reinvention, but aren’t sure where to begin. 

If you’re looking for ways to create a life you love after 40, read on. I’ve got some great tips to help you get started!

How to create a life you love after 40

1. Don’t be afraid to start over

It’s never too late to start over and create a life you love. After 40, many people find themselves at a crossroads. They may be dissatisfied with their career, their relationship status, or their overall health. But it’s never too late to change course and create the life you’ve always wanted.

It may take some time and effort, but it’s definitely possible to live a life you love after 40.

2. Figure out what you want and go for it

How many times have you caught yourself daydreaming about a life that you’d love? A life where you jump out of bed each morning eager to start your day, a life filled with laughter and happiness, a life that feels like it was made just for you. It sounds pretty great, right? So how do you turn that dream into reality?

One of the first steps is figuring out what you want. What are your passions and interests? What makes you feel alive and excited? Once you have a clearer sense of what you want, it’s time to take action. Set some goals and start working towards them. It won’t be easy, but the satisfaction you’ll feel when you finally achieve your dreams will make it all worth it. So go out there and create the life you love. You won’t regret it. (I talk about identifying what you do and don’t want in your midlife reinvention in depth in my book 21 Hacks to ROCK your Midlife!)

3. Embrace change – it’s the only thing that’s constant in life

How many times have you heard that change is the only constant in life? It’s a cliché for sure, but it’s also true. Change is inevitable, and whether we like it or not, it’s happening all the time – especially at midlife! The key to creating a life you love after 40 however, is learning how to embrace change.

Change can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. If you approach change with a positive attitude and an open mind, you may be surprised at how easy it is to adapt. And who knows? You might even find that you enjoy the newness of change. Embracing change can help you become more flexible and resilient, two qualities that will serve you well in life.

4. Take time for yourself, even if it means saying no to others

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we choose to use them is up to us. You can choose to spend all of your time working or taking care of others, or make time for pursuing your own interests and goals.

While it’s important to be productive and contribute to society, it’s also important to take time for yourself to rest, to pursue hobbies or even create your own midlife side-hustle! That doesn’t mean you have to be selfish, but it does mean saying no to others occasionally so that you can do what you need to do for yourself. Creating a life you love means being intentional with your time and making sure that you’re doing things that make you happy. So don’t be afraid to say no once in a while, even if it means disappointing someone else. Your happiness is just as important as anyone else’s.

5. Find a support system of family and friends 

Creating a life you love takes time, energy and most importantly, a good support system. Family and friends can be a great source of encouragement and motivation, so it’s important to find people who will offer positive reinforcement throughout your journey. Here are a few tips for how to create a supportive network of loved ones:

• Find your people. Seek out family and friends who share your values and who will respect your decisions. These are the people who will truly support you along the way.
• Communicate your needs. It’s important to be open and honest about what you need from your support system. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your loved ones know how they can help.
• Offer reciprocity. Remember that supporting others is just as important as being supported yourself. Offer unconditional love and positive reinforcement to those in your life, and you’ll receive the same in return.

You might like to check out these posts too!

• 4 Reasons why you should start a Midlife side-hustle!
• How to reinvent your life!
• Finding your purpose 101

If you’re 40 or older, it might seem like your best years are behind you – but that doesn’t have to be the case! You can create a life you love after 40 by following these simple tips: 1. Don’t be afraid to start over, 2. Figure out what you want and go for it, 3. Embrace change – it’s the only thing that’s constant in life, 4. Take time for yourself, even if it means saying no to others and 5. Find a support system of family and friends who will encourage you along the way.

Which tip/s resonate with you and which one are you going to implement this week? I’d love to hear your thoughts, along with what other tips you would add to this list. 

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