I turn 49 today and quite honestly that number is so strange to me. My mother is supposed to be 49, not me! I sure don't feel it and most people tell me I don't look it either, whatever that means. As I reflect on the last 49 years (ok, really the last year), I think about all of the things I've learned. Some lessons have taken a lot longer than others!
- BE PRESENT! Enjoy each moment.
- You need to learn to be happy being alone, before you can be with anyone else.
- Do not expect anyone else to make you happy, it's an inside job.
- People aregoing to judge you and it's none of your business (one of my favorite quotes ever)!
- You are never too old to learn something new or change your career path.
- You must be honest with yourself in order to be honest with anyone else.
- You must deal with sorrow in order to know JOY.
- Dating in your 40's is HARD!
- Do not make someone a priority if you're only an afterthought (not the exact quote but still another favorite).
- Do not settle for anything that does not fulfill you.
- It is way better to be alone than lonely in a relationship.
- In a relationship, don't settle for anything less than you deserve.
- But...be realistic about relationships...they're not easy!
- Be kind to yourself.
- Don't ever say anything to yourself that is demeaning or degrading...you wouldn't say it to someone else, would you?
- REMEMBER...You are doing the best you can with what you know at any given moment.
- Dance whenever you feel like it! Ask my classes, I dance all the time!
- Sing at the top of your lungs...in your car...alone...you sound great!
- Listen to music, as loudly as you want, until your neighbors complain.
- Accept people where they are, not where you 'think' they should be.
- Accept Yourself where you are too!
- Learn from your past but don't dwell in it.
- Have FUN with whatever you do, even cleaning the house...yeah I still don't do this one!
- Nurture your friendships.
- Express gratitude every day.
- Light candles for no reason.
- Celebrate the people in your life.
- LAUGH loudly and often.
- SMILE at everyone you meet, you may change their day.
- Look people in the eyes when you talk to them, even strangers.
- Don't judge other people, you have no idea what is going on in behind closed doors.
- Keep your body and mind active.
- But some days, chill on your couch and binge watch Netflix.
- Jump in puddles barefoot; don't ruin your nice shoes.
- Buy nice shoes, you are on your feet all day and your feet will thank you.
- Get massages, facials, pedicures, etc...you deserve it.
- Change the oil in your car regularly.
- It's not the end of the world, if your house isn't clean or the laundry isn't done before you go have some fun. It will all be there tomorrow.
- Experiences are more important than stuff.
- Your thoughts DO effect how you feel.
- You have to create the abundance in your life.
- No one can FIX your issues, you have to do it yourself.
- Movers exist for a reason, hire them.
- Don't have expectations of anyone else - this is a hard one!
- Life is too short sometimes but then in other ways, really long!
- Pets are family members, period.
- Loss is part of life but it really sucks.
- No matter how long someone has been gone, you'll always miss them.
- Life is a PRACTICE.
So here I am entering my 50th year on this planet and while I've learned so much, I know there is so much more to learn. I look forward to the new lessons yet to come. And I would love to hear some of your life lessons!