40 Truths About Life I’ve Learned by 40

I’m turning 40 soon, and this time, I’m not offering advice or sharing something specific from my self-growth journey. It’s simpler than that. I just wanted to share some of the truths I’ve come to understand over the years. I don’t know if anyone really needs to hear these, but maybe a few will resonate with you – or remind you of your own hard-earned lessons.

“Everything is temporary – and that’s a beautiful thing.”

1. Everything changes all the time. Nothing is forever. You will have your happy era, your sad era, your confused era, disappointed era, in-love era, lonely era, empowered era – and all sorts of eras.

2. You need to learn to live here and now – in the exact era you’re in. If you are happy, be happy. If you are sad, be sad. Just learn to be in the moment and experience life as it is. I’m still learning this, but I hope I’m getting better every day.

3. You cannot control almost anything. And you don’t need to. Learning to manage your own emotions and behavior is already a huge win.

4. Nobody is coming to save you. It’s your life – and you need to figure out how to live it.

5. Appreciate people who are there for you. They’re giving you the most precious thing they have – their time.

6. Set your priorities straight. What matters most to you – money, travel, a partner, kids, friends, your career? Whatever it is, be honest with yourself. Know your priorities and work toward the things you truly want.

7. Don’t postpone life. Don’t wait another year to take that trip. Life is short, and every day counts.

8. You don’t have to live by everyone else’s expectations to feel fulfilled. If you’re single, enjoy it. If you want another kid, go for it. If you’re ready for a career shift, do it. If you dream of being a digital nomad, start now.

9. Let go of expectations. Life doesn’t owe you anything, and it rarely unfolds the way you imagined. Things usually work out – but not in the way you thought they would.

10. Be kind to people. We’ve all heard it – everyone’s fighting a battle you can’t see. It’s true. Kindness costs nothing, but it might mean everything to someone. 

“Show up. For others – and for yourself.”

11. Work honestly, professionally, and with all your heart. People notice – and they often repay that energy when you least expect it.

12. Have fun every day. Joy isn’t just for kids. If you like to dance – dance. If you like video games – play on Sundays. If you love cooking, take a class or just enjoy making dinner. If you like going out, go out. Find small joys daily.

13. Forgive and move on. Forgive those who hurt you, your enemies, your friends, your parents – and most importantly, forgive yourself for whatever blame you’re carrying. Learn the lesson and let it go.

14. Some days will be tough, others will be great – but each day ends, making space for a new one. Remember that.

15. And every new day is a fresh chance to start over – and to be happy.

16. Learn to love and respect yourself before expecting others to do so. In fact, if you truly manage that, you won’t feel the need to ask for it at all.

17. Sleep and stay active. Your body needs both rest and movement. Also, try not to eat too much junk food – do it for your own well-being.

18. If you truly want something, you have the power to achieve it. Believe in yourself and your dreams.

19. You don’t have to stay if you’re unhappy. You can always leave and begin again.

20. You’re braver than you think. Give yourself some credit – you’ve earned it. 

“Now is the only time you ever really have.”

21. Don’t waste time worrying about the future or regretting the past. You can’t control either. Just do your best today.

22. People will surprise you – some in the good ways, others not so much. Either way, they’ll surprise you.

23. Just because you have experience doesn’t mean you know everything. Don’t be stubborn. Keep learning.

24. Never stop dreaming. There’s always room for new dreams to come true.

25. It’s not too late for anything. You can study, fall in love, travel, be impulsive, get healthy, be happy – at any age.

26. Believe in something – God, the Universe, nature, kindness, people… Whatever gives you hope.

27. Nothing is perfect – and it doesn’t need to be.

28. Be grateful for what you have. Gratitude is often the gateway to receiving even more.

29. Make time for yourself. Do things you enjoy. Learn to be alone and actually like it.

30. Life will bring both good and bad. Nothing lasts forever. Embrace it all and try to find meaning, even in hard times. 

“You’ve made it through 100% of your worst days.”

31. Sometimes people grow apart – but that doesn’t mean they stopped loving you. And it doesn’t mean you should stop loving them.

32. Some doors will close. Some people will disappoint you. Some things won’t work out the way you wanted. They’ll work out better. 

33. If you want things to change, you have to change. 

34. You are not your trauma, your fears, or your failures. You are the one who lived through them. 

35. Don’t rely on someone else to make you happy – or to break your heart, for that matter. The only person who can truly do either is you.

36. You don’t need more things to feel fulfilled. Stop spending on stuff. Start investing in memories. 

37. The most expensive thing in life is time – spend it with the right people. Every minute counts, and you can’t get it back. 

38. If you want to learn something, read the right book or article.

39. Words are nice, but actions matter more. Pay attention to what people do – and be aware of your own actions, too.

40. You’re not the person you were 10 or 20 years ago. And thank God for that.