We all have a journey, but sometimes that journey becomes truly fulfilling after crossing the threshold of a certain age.

You might look back on your life and see the transformation you have undergone or ponder about the genuine happiness you now experience.

How do you identify if what you’re experiencing is true contentment after turning 40, or just another phase?

Keep reading ro find out these traits!

1) Embracing change rather than resisting it

It’s as if they’ve been through enough seasons of life to understand that change is not only inevitable, but also a beautiful part of the human experience.

Rather than digging their heels in and resisting, they adapt and flow with the currents of life.

They know that every phase brings its own set of challenges and rewards, and they’re ready to embrace them all.

This isn’t to say they don’t feel fear or uncertainty.

However, they’ve learned that these feelings are temporary and can be a catalyst for growth. 

2) Choosing solitude over forced socialization

Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but those who have found true happiness after 40 aren’t necessarily the life of every party.

On the contrary, they often have rich, meaningful relationships.

However, they’ve come to value their own company and cherish the quiet moments of solitude.

They don’t feel the need to fill every moment with chatter or activity.

They are content to sit quietly, read a book, go for a walk, or simply enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee.

They’ve learned that being comfortable in their own skin and enjoying their own company is a potent source of happiness. 

3) Practicing gratitude over grumbling

Life is not always a bed of roses and everyone has their fair share of ups and downs.

They don’t ignore life’s harsh realities, but they have mastered the art of focusing on the positives.

Instead of grumbling about hardships, they practice gratitude.

They appreciate the small things – a beautiful sunrise, a good book, a heartfelt conversation.

They find joy in daily life and express thanks for the blessings they have.

They understand that their attitude shapes their reality and choose to view life through a lens of gratitude.

This practice not only brings them joy but also helps them navigate life’s challenges with grace. 

4) Valuing experiences over material possessions

Here’s an interesting fact: as people age, they often lean towards experiences rather than material possessions.

It seems that with age comes the wisdom to understand that life’s real treasures aren’t things, but the memories and experiences we gather.

They prioritize creating meaningful experiences over accumulating more stuff.

This could mean anything from traveling to new places, trying new cuisines, learning a new skill, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.

They realize that while material possessions bring momentary pleasure, it’s the experiences they cherish and remember.

These experiences enrich their lives, broaden their perspectives, and contribute significantly to their happiness. 

5) Allowing vulnerability instead of masking emotions

Those who are truly content at this stage have learned the power in letting their true emotions surface, rather than hiding behind a mask of faux happiness.

They understand that it’s okay to not be okay all the time.

They allow themselves to feel sadness, fear, or anger when these emotions arise, knowing that feeling them is a part of being human.

They no longer see the need to put up a brave front and pretend everything is perfect.

This acceptance of their own vulnerability often leads to deeper connections with others, as they’re able to express their feelings honestly and openly.

It also fosters self-acceptance, a key ingredient to true happiness.

6) Seeking growth over comfort

They’re not afraid to take on new challenges or explore unfamiliar territories.

They understand that growth often comes from discomfort and they’re willing to embrace it.

They continue to set goals, learn new skills, and broaden their horizons.

This relentless pursuit of growth keeps them engaged and excited about life.

It fuels their sense of purpose and contributes to their overall happiness. 

7) Finding peace in forgiveness

As we age, we gather a collection of experiences – some good, some not so good. 

They realize that holding onto resentment only weighs them down.

Instead, they choose to forgive, not because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.

Rather, they learn from these experiences and then release the negative emotions associated with them.

This act of forgiving and releasing brings them a sense of peace and freedom.

Final words: Embracing the journey

Happiness after 40 isn’t about having a perfect life.

It’s about embracing the imperfections, the messy bits, the ups and downs and making the most out of them.

It’s about letting go of the things that don’t serve you anymore and embracing what truly matters.

So whether you’ve just turned 40 or you’re well beyond, take these behaviors to heart.

Reflect on them, practice them, and see how they resonate with you.

You might just find that true happiness isn’t elusive after all – it’s been within your reach all along, waiting for you to grasp it.