Ever since my 40th birthday last year, I’m different. I am calmer, I walk with a skip in my step, I smile more easily and more frequently. I wake up every day feeling the way I do after clearing a closet or organizing my junk drawer .

I think it’s because I have been doing a lot of emotional de-cluttering over the last few years. I am so much more in touch with where I am, what I have, and what I still need (and don’t need).

So after clearing out a lot of the emotional noise and mess, and in honour of my 41st birthday, here is a list of what I’ve learned and why life is better at 40.

1. Every day is a gift
2. A few good friends are better than many acquaintances
3. Simple is better
4. My life experiences trump my formal education
5. I can laugh at my mistakes
6. My relationships are stronger
7. There is nothing like being in pajamas before dinner
8. I wake up knowing I can face whatever happens
9. I’ve found ways to make exercise fun – Spartan, Warrior Dash, Mud Hero
10. Sleep is my friend
11. Spending money on making memories is better than buying more stuff
12. It’s easier to say No…but I say Yes more often
13. I’m not afraid to challenge myself
14. I know what I can control…and what I can’t
15. Friends can become family
16. A beautiful sunset can make my entire day
17. I’m less self-conscious
18. I am a kinder, more sympathetic person
19. I love that my wardrobe is made up of a few pieces I don’t mind wearing over and over again
20. I am better at telling the people in my life that I love and appreciate them
21. I can stand up for myself
22. Yummy take-out is better than going out to a fancy gourmet meal
23. I’ve learned how to accept a compliment and learn from criticism
24. I know when something is not my business
25. I can admit when I’m wrong – usually
26. Leaving a sink full of dishes for the morning is not the end of the world
27. Sometimes taking a walk is better than taking a nap
28. I’ve learned to let things go
29. When you feel good about yourself others feel good when they’re with you
30. Being jealous of someone else is stupid – I have what I need
31. I’ve accepted that change is not always a bad thing
32. I can choose my mood
33. I’ve stopped trying to be like everyone else
34. Having the house to myself is awesome
35. Time moves faster – making the good times sweeter and the not so good easier
36. I appreciate the little things
37. It’s easier to ask for help
38. I know who I am…and who I am not
39. I am stronger – physically, emotionally, and spiritually
40. The future is exciting