As I approach my 41st trip around the sun, I have been reflecting on what I have learned over the years - some of which I'm still learning!
The world is constantly changing, and so are we...
In our forties, we often begin to recognize how important it is to be true to ourselves, to listen to our bodies, to take control of our health and to cultivate boundaries.
In other words, we stop giving a f*ck...
As I stand in the entryway of 41, I'm contemplating some of the truths I've learned in this lifetime (some of which I'm still working on):
Letting go is not something you do. Letting go is something you STOP doing. You stop pretending everything is precious - stop clinging to material things, you stop trying to make toxic relationships work.
More stuff doesn't make you happier. You were born complete. Even in a room with nothing in it.
I used to think the more I had, the more successful I was. I realize now that this is far from the truth. I have all that I need.
"NO" is the most freeing word in the world (something I'm still learning). When we say "yes" to everything (especially the things we don't want to say "yes" to), we find ourselves losing sight of our own serenity.
I spent a majority of my 20s and 30s being a people pleaser - I would say yes to almost everything. This only led to resentment and exhaustion. It's so freeing when you finally have the ability to say "no" to things you don't want to do.
Embrace yourself, including your quirks. It’s very liberating to embrace the full YOU and know that’s what makes you unique. If you were ever told you were weird or interesting, congratulations, you’re not a carbon copy of everyone else!
Dr Suess said it best, "today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Youer than YOU.
You CAN'T change people. Relationships should enhance your life, you shouldn't spend your time in one where you're trying to change the other person. Another BIG lesson for me. I have spent so much time trying to figure out "why so and so doesn't call me anymore," or "why doesn't she want to hang out with me?" Guess what? IT DOESN'T MATTER. Not every person is going to like you, and as you get older, you stop caring - some people don't like me, and I'm okay with that. The people who matter will continue to show up, focus your energy on them.
Today is the perfect day. Don't wait to open the bottle of expensive wine, or take the vacation you've been wanting - DO IT NOW. Life is precious, live it.
Advocate for yourself. There is no one else who is going to want whatever it is you're wanting more than YOU.
HEALTH. IS. EVERYTHING. Think about it, if you have your health, you already have everything. The other "stuff" are just bonuses.
These are all lessons I have learned over my 40+ years, and these are all lessons I continue to work on every waking day. Remember, we are constantly changing, but change equals growth...
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