There’s something about being in your 40s that makes you take stock of where you are, what you’ve accomplished, and perhaps most importantly, what truly fulfills you. Whether you’re deep in the trenches of raising kids, embracing an empty nest, or somewhere in between, this decade often comes with a new awareness: You’ve checked so many boxes, yet you might still be searching for that spark of personal fulfillment. The good news? Now is the perfect time to tap into your most authentic, creative self and find joy in pursuits that truly light you up.

To explore what this could look like, I turned to my dear friend Tania Quintanilla, a Mexican photographer, ceramicist, improv performer, and multimedia artist based in New York City. As someone currently studying for her MFA at Parsons, Tania embodies the spirit of reinvention and lifelong creativity. Her advice? “Let yourself be a beginner again. Find play in the process, not just the outcome.”

Featured Image by Suruchi Avasthi

Tania Quintanilla on how to be creative in your 40s: 1. Take a Class

Whether it’s ceramics, improv, painting, or creative writing, dedicating structured time to learning something new can be incredibly rewarding. The key? Approach it with curiosity, not pressure.

2. Go On a Retreat

Sometimes, stepping away from your daily routine is exactly what you need. A creative retreat, whether for writing, art, or mindfulness, offers an immersive experience in which inspiration naturally flows.

3. Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Travel to a city that excites you, visit museums, or simply spend a day wandering a new neighborhood with fresh eyes. If travel isn’t an option, get lost in a book, film, or podcast that broadens your perspective. 

4. Pick a Daily Creative Prompt

Give your brain a little nudge by choosing a theme for the day. Notice a particular color everywhere you go, capture interesting textures in photos, or write a short reflection on something that moved you. Invite the creativity in with awareness. 

5. Experiment with New Mediums

Never tried watercolor? Curious about printmaking? YouTube and online courses make it easier than ever to dip your toes into new creative waters without the pressure of perfection. This is could also be a great option for introverts.

6. Find a Balance Between Consuming and Creating

Read, watch, listen, and observe as much as you make. Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it, and feeding your creativity well is just as crucial as producing work.

7. Focus on Process Over Perfection

One of the greatest lessons of this decade is embracing the journey rather than fixating on results. Give yourself permission to fail, start over, and enjoy the act of creating for its own sake. Don’t be afraid to walk away from something that isn’t working. 

8. Balance Youthful Energy with Hard-Earned Wisdom

There’s something magical about blending the fresh energy of younger creatives with the depth of experience you bring in your 40s. Be open to learning from different generations; it’s an exchange that fuels growth on both sides.

9. Immerse Yourself Fully

Whether it’s a six-hour painting class, poetry workshop, or weekend retreat, allow yourself to be fully present in the experience, even if only for a moment at a time.

10. Reconnect with Your Inner Child

What hobbies brought you joy as a kid? Dance? Sketching? Playing an instrument? Revisit them without expectation, just for fun.

11. Give Your Time to a Cause That Aligns With Your Values

Sometimes, the most fulfilling creative outlets come from meaningful work. Whether volunteering, mentoring, or using your skills for social impact, purpose-driven creativity can be deeply rewarding.

12. Travel with a Creative Lens

Exploring a new place with an intentional focus on photography, writing, or local crafts helps you see the world differently and enriches your creative practice.

13. Find Meditation in Long-Form Creative Hobbies

Ceramics, weaving, embroidery, baking, or painting are processes that require patience and repetition, and they can feel like meditation. These activities give your brain a break from overthinking and allow you to be fully present in creation.

14. Let Yourself Wander

In both a literal and figurative sense, make space for exploration. Walk without a set destination, explore a new idea without a plan, and embrace the beauty of creative detours.

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The best investment in your well-being is carving out time for creative pursuits that bring you joy. Whether big or small, these moments of self-expression add depth, richness, and fulfillment to your life.

Routines may settle in as we age, but life doesn’t have to be mundane. By prioritizing creativity and new experiences, you’re not only reigniting your passions, but making space for a vibrant, more fulfilling existence.