This year I hit that pivotal point in my 40’s.. Turning 46 I can no longer say I am in my early 40’s, I am now pushing that 50 mark. I wouldn’t say I am even remotely wise for my years but I have learned a lot of things along the way. A lot of these will be cliches but here is what I know to be true. (These are in no particular order, just how they came to me and some are more serious than others.)
- If you can’t love yourself, you’re no good to anyone else. Love yourself first and then share that love.
- Always trust your gut instinct, it will almost never steer you wrong.
- A real friend will be there when you need them no matter what. Not when it is convenient for them.
- Friendships may come and go, but those worth having will stick around.
- The road map of your life will go through many, many unforeseen revisions. You can’t rely on one single path.
- I am a firm believer that when your time is up, it is up. I am not sure if there is some divine plan for us or what, but you can’t change it.
- Do not let the bad things define you.
- Only you can decide what is best for you, no one else.
- Your tastes and preferences will look vastly different when you look back 20 years, 10 years, even 5 years.
- Make a bucket list. Even if you don’t achieve them all, it gives you something to work for.
- As much as I still struggle with getting to the gym, I have learned to respect how much exercise does a body good in so many ways.
- Be the friend you want all your friends to be to you.
- No matter how good of a liar you think you are, someone will always get hurt in the end. Be honest.
- If I catch you lying to me, I will probably never trust you again. I may forgive, but I will never forget.
- Never, ever go to bed angry. You never know what the morning could bring.
- Even the smallest gesture of love/friendship can make a person’s day.
- Always recognize when you need to say “I’m sorry”. You may not have meant to do it, but acknowledge your were wrong.
- You need to accept that sometimes “Sorry” will not be enough.
- Some people will deserve a second chance and some won’t. And some will end up not deserving that second chance.
- I can never have too many hugs.
- I knew I always wanted to be a Mom. It’s is everything and nothing I thought I would be like. All in a good way.
- The love I have for my child is stronger than any love I have ever known or will ever know.
- I may not be the perfect Mom, but I will always try to be the best that I can be.
- I have probably learned more about life in the past 10 years with my son than I did in all the years prior to his birth.
- Try to find the positive in most situations. I may not always find it but at least I tried.
- You only get one life. Make the best of the one you are given.
- Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always. – My favorite quote ever.
- Even at my age, it is always okay to act like a kid again in appropriate situations.
- Every once in a while, you will need a day to reset yourself. For me, that means staying in my pjs, binge watching Netflix and laying on the couch all day.
- Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone every once in a while. You might just surprise yourself.
- Everyone is different but everyone is the same. Embrace your differences, enjoy your similarities.
- Burpees are a pure form of torture. They may be good for you, but I don’t know a single person who actually likes them.
- Coffee is the nectar of the Gods. Although I was into my 20’s before I discovered it’s goodness.
- Take lots and lots of pictures. You can’t relive those special moments but pictures can help.
- But on the contrary of that, be sure to enjoy the moments and not just focus on getting that perfect picture. Once they have past, you can’t get them back.
- I have a great respect for people who grow things. I don’t have a green thumb at all and wish I did.
- As much as I am a planner, sometime throwing the plans out the window and just rolling with it makes for a much better adventure.
- Unplug from the world for a day/couple of days when you can. It’s very liberating. I need to do it more often.
- Never underestimate the power of a good book. Reading can be a great way to escape the madness in the world sometimes.
- Everyone has their own religion/beliefs. I won’t force my beliefs on to you, do not impose yours on me.
- I probably will never, ever understand Minecraft. (As much as my son tries to teach me.)
- I’ve tried to adopt the mantra “Never Miss a Monday”. Not only for my fitness goals but other things. It just sets the week up for success.
- I still can not figure out how socks constantly go missing from my dryer. And somehow laundry piles mysteriously regenerate.
- Try and catch a sunrise every once in a while (on purpose). It can be the perfect way to start a day.
- Please and thank you are always appreciated.
- Laugh hard, laugh long, laugh often.
I have to say coming up with 46 things was much harder than I had anticipated. Enjoy!
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