Yesterday was my birthday. A milestone birthday at that. And when folks kept asking my age, I admit that I was a bit embarrassed to say my age.
40. Forty!
I don't feel 40. I don't think I look 40. I don't think I've packed enough living into 40 years. But then I thought about it. What's to be ashamed about? I've made it. I'm wiser. I'm stronger. I'm better on this side. And today, I'm proud to say I've made it this far. Sure, there are a lot more things I want to do. There's been some disappointment, failure & heartache. There are a million more things I want to experience. But I've packed a lot into 40 years: a college degree. Travels across the country. Marriage. Children. A career doing what I love. A solid spiritual walk with God.
I'm much more secure with myself than I was in my 30s and certainly more than when I was in my 20s. Today, I'm settling into 40 and finding it to be a good fit.
Here are 40 lessons I've learned in my 40 years on this earth:
1. Change is good.
2. Failure is not bad, it's simply a chance to learn what works & what doesn't.
3. The grass is NOT greener on the other side. It's either astro turf, high maintenance or not what you thought it was.
4. Forgiveness is a powerful & very necessary thing.
5. Patience is indeed a virtue and should be mastered early in life.
6. Saying no is not selfish.
7. Sometimes being selfish is okay.
8. As parents we are shaping our children's childhood memories now that will live with them forever (make good memories with and for them.)
9. Time does not heal all wounds but God does.
10. Life is hard but God is good.
11. Everyone is dealing with something in life that is not fair.
12. All problems seem smaller after you go through them. Everything will be alright.
13. Good friends are priceless. Keep them close & nurture the relationship.
14. Getting old doesn't guarantee good sense--wisdom comes from God.
15. The more thankful you are, the more blessings you'll find.
16. Getting out of your comfort zone is scary yet freeing.
17. Prayer (and kindness) are two of our greatest weapons.
18. It's okay to say sorry & ask forgiveness when we've wronged someone...especially to the little people in our lives.
19. Going to sleep with a dirty kitchen and house is not the end of the world. The mess will be waiting to be cleaned up the next day. Enjoy the extra sleep!
20. Mulling over regrets is a time waster.
21. Naps are a gift from God.
22. Stopping to dance to the music is always appropriate wherever you are ;-)
23. Leaving a loving legacy is the greatest gift we can give.
24. Everybody won't like you--and that's okay.
25. Being able to look in the mirror and smile at yourself is priceless.
26. Drives along the California coast are therapeutic.
27. Saving for a rainy day is good, but so is splurging.
28. Being honest, trustworthy and consistent is not easy but you will be better for it.
29. Who cares what size it says as long as it fits good.
30. You can never have enough laughter or hugs.
31. Lying never pays off..never.
32. The truth always come to light one way or another.
33. God has a plan for your life.
33. Sometimes you just have to do it scared.
34. When you come to the cliff's edge, God will indeed give you something solid to stand or or give you wings to fly. He's done it time and time again for me.
35. Kiss and hug those little ones as much as possible because they grow up too fast.
36. Never be too busy to keep in touch.
37. Be the best you because there's nobody who can do it better.
38. God's Word really is true.
39. Love conquers all.
40. 40 is indeed the new 30!
Antracia is 40 from bobbi Merrill on Vimeo.
