10 Life Lessons I Didn’t Expect to Learn in My 40s

1. Peace is the new success.
   If it costs your peace, it’s too expensive—whether it's a job, relationship, or commitment.

2. Boundaries are a form of self-love.
   Saying no doesn’t make you rude—it makes you honest and healthy.

3. Not everyone is meant to stay.
   Some people are chapters, not the whole book—and that’s okay.

4. Rest is not laziness.
   You don’t have to earn rest. Your body and mind need it, unapologetically.

5. Your body speaks louder now—listen.
   Hormones shift, energy changes—tuning in matters more than ever.

6. You don’t need to explain yourself.
   Clarity to others isn’t required when you’re clear within yourself.

7. You can start over—at any time.
   Careers, habits, relationships—reinvention has no age limit.

8. Less really is more.
   From clutter to drama, simplicity feels like luxury.

9. Your worth isn’t tied to your productivity.
   You’re enough, even when you're still, quiet, or simply being.

10. Joy lives in the small moments.
    Morning light, good tea, deep laughs—these are the things that matter most.