Life Lessons After 42 Years

The years go by in a flash!

I’ve always heard people say that, but now, more than ever, I have found it to be true!

My birthday was last Wednesday. I turned 42. Birthdays are a time of reflection and reset for me.  

Back in 2020, I started a collection of life lessons, and every year, I update it with new ones that I’ve learned, often the hard way. I was saying the other day that I feel like I’ve aged 10 years in battling chronic illness. But one thing I understand more than ever is that life is precious. Our time here on earth is short.  We must make the most of it. 

So here it is –  My personal lessons and learnings about relationships, self-care, faith, wellness, and everything in between….  Enjoy!🙂

42 Life Lessons….

1. Not everyone is going to like you (it’s ok, not to like everyone either!)
2. Appreciate your healthy body – it’s the greatest asset in the world
3. Trust your gut and follow your heart. It’s the best way…
4. Stop people pleasing already — it’s an impossible task with no finish line.  Be authentic, take off the masks.  It’s too damn exhausting. 
5. Rest is sacred — make time for rest! (…or your body will make time for you)
6. The choices you make define who you are, choose wisely.
7. Mental health is just as important as physical health.  
8. Don’t be in such a hurry to get where you’re going. Slow down. Be in the moment. Enjoy the journey.  (There are very few things in life that can’t wait until tomorrow.)
9. Alone time is not something to be avoided, but something to be cherished.
10. You can’t be everything to everyone— if you try – you won’t be anything to anybody. (Show me your calendar and I will tell you your priorities. Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you where you’re going.)
11. Don’t live life on autopilot — live with intention and purpose.
12. It’s totally ok to say NO to things that don’t serve you
13. Know when is enough. Learn to be content with what you have and appreciate when your cup is full.  
14. Doing what you love should not be a luxury, but a lifestyle.  (If your goal does not have a schedule, it is a dream…..)
15. Spend time with friends who lift and energize you — and less time with those who drain and deplete you. Life’s too short!  (And compliment people behind their back. It’ll come back to you.)
16. There will be peaks and Valleys…. But anything worth achieving takes time, commitment, and hard work —  there are no shortcuts. 
17. No one is coming to save you — you gotta get up and save yourself, sis.
18. Doing it all is a myth — there will always be seasons and times in your life when you will be focusing on different areas of importance.  It’s not only OK, it’s necessary. 
19. Be proactive, not reactive.  You’ll get a lot further by being consistent than consistently trying to be great… 
20. Always say ‘I love you’ –  
21. Have the hard conversations…Ask the question you want to ask. Don’t hesitate or beat around the bush. Be direct.  Then move on!
22. Writing down one thing you are grateful for each day is the cheapest possible therapy ever.
23. Read good books – never stop learning!
24. Quoting one of my favorite movies, Hope Floats, “Beginnings are usually scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts.”  Enjoy the journey.
25. There’s a perfect time for everything – always trust God’s timing. 
26. Check-in on family and friends… call your mom!  
27. Share your blessings with the world… be the light!  Be kind. A simple act of kindness can make someone else’s day and it will help you feel better while you’re at it.
28. Mood follows action—not the other way around. If you want to change your mental state, change your physical state first. (Rich Roll)
29. Your past doesn’t define you – it’s never too late to re-write your story!
30. Don’t forget where you came from or burn those bridges.  (You never know when someone from your past will be a key to your future)
31.  The more you are interested in others, the more interesting they find you. To be interesting, be interested. (Kevin Kelly)
32. There’s never going to be the perfect time – just START!  Whatever it is, start!
33. Be a giver and a taker – Marriage is rarely 50/50, take turns giving and receiving.  (And don’t keep score!)
34.  Being uber-busy and worn out is not a badge of honor – rest your soul! Prioritize self-care – you won’t think you have time (but you do!)
35. Let laughter be the soundtrack of your marriage (and all relationships!)
36. Don’t hit snooze, just get up and face the day.  Keep showing up!
37. You’ll never be given more than you can handle, God sees you
38. Eat well.  Drink Water. Go the eff to sleep! (Your output depends on your input. Garbage in=garbage out)
39. Travel, get out in nature, and stretch outside your comfort zone.  Focus on experiences – not things! 
40. Move your body and learn about your body
41. Eliminating clutter makes room for your true treasures.
42. Just be you! You are enough. I am enough. We’re Enough my friend, xoxo 

I put together this list for myself, but honestly, I really hope that some of it can help you, too. If you find anything in here that speaks to you, don’t hesitate to pass it along. By the way, have you ever thought about making your own list of life lessons? It’s super helpful to have something to look back on when you need a little inspiration – or see how things change year after year.

I highly recommend giving it a shot, whether it’s your bday or not.

XO,

jules