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 honor 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 know that God's plan for me is better than anything I can dream for myself

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