44 things I’ve learned as I turn 44
This month I turn 44 years old. There’s a lot of wisdom that comes in your forties. It’s like something magical happens when you turn 40. You are finally coming in to your own and no longer care what people think. You know who you are. You’re living as your authentic self and it feels great. Here are some life lessons I’ve learned – and am still learning – if I’m being honest.
Know your worth. You have to drink your own Koolaid.
You’re alive to fulfill your highest purpose in life.
It’s never too late to try something new. Never stop learning. Learning = growing.
Miracles happen every day.
You’re happier when you tell the truth. When your mind, mouth and heart all say the same thing. This is called #livinginalignment
Don’t let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life. You can and will figure it out.
There are no coincidences. God speaks to us through signs and divine timing.
“Always ask, but never expect.” – James Clear
Movement is medicine. Find out what exercise feels best to you and do that.
Perception is reality. People will interpret life based on their experiences and beliefs.
We were made for community. Find your people and love them well.
Giving makes a difference. Help others when you can. “To whom much is given, much is required.” - Luke 12:48
Speak life into your kids. What they believe is what they’ll become.
You will be the villain in some people’s stories. What matters most is that you love yourself. You have to let go of needing to be liked.
There’s more than one way to do things. And there’s almost always more than one solution to a problem.
Buy and eat organic foods when you can. Thank your body by eating foods that love you back. I follow the #dirtydozen and #cleanfifteen when buying produce.
“If you think you’re enlightened, go spend a week with your family.” - Ram Dass
Learn to say no without explaining yourself.
Not everyone wants to change. Not everyone wants to get better.
Most (dare I say all) people need a good therapist. Or at least one close friend to confide in.
Take time to rest. Or your body will force you to.
Change is the only constant in life.
Your spouse and children can’t be your everything.
Make your marriage a partnership. Take time to plan, organize and create the life you want together as a family.
Two things can be true at one time.
Emotional boundaries are necessary. “Guard your heart.” – Proverbs 4:23
“Don’t worry about people who aren’t happy for you. They aren’t happy for themselves either.” – Mel Robbins
Don’t take advice from people who are not living the life you want to live.
People who gossip to you, will always gossip about you.
Choose people who choose you.
Never admire quietly. If you see something beautiful in someone, tell them.
What you resist, persists.
Karma is real. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
No one escapes pain and loss in life, and sharing our experiences with others is healing.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
A daily practice of prayer, meditation and gratitude is life-changing. And your peace is worth it.
Self-employment is not friends with self-care. You have to make time for things that are important to you.
“Perfect is the enemy of good.” - Voltaire
The true measure of success is a calm nervous system.
There is no such thing as work-life balance. You have to make (sometimes difficult) choices every day.
You’re allowed to change your mind. From day to day, hour to hour or from one minute to the next.
Forgiveness is an action, and rarely a one-time event. And it does not always mean reconciliation and restoration, even with family.
Listen to your body. Trust your intuition.
“You are not the work you do; you are the person you are.” – Toni Morrison