Celebrating a milestone. 40 - It really is just a number but a great reason to celebrate. Some say life begins at 40, others it is all down hill from here. I have been doing a lot of reflecting and reading lately. There are some great ideas out there. Thought I would share some of my life lessons as I look back to look forward. Bucket lists are a great idea but don't forget to look back at what you have already done and celebrate.
I came across this idea at Susannah Conway -
40 lessons from 40 years. She has also written a piece about
getting older. An interesting read. I discovered it through Ali Edwards site where she also
talks about getting older. I also found
this gem by Nichole Heady at Papertrey Ink - thank you cards to people who have inspired me. Definitely something that I want to do. And also at A Holy Experience -
be the gift. Pay it forward.
In no particular order - 40 lessons from 40 years
1 Slow down. Don't be in such hurry to
move on to the next thing. Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.
3 Find what you love to do and do it
often. That thing that you always wanted to do. Go do it
4 Make memories
5 Respect people who make time for you
in their busy schedule, but love people who never look at their
schedule when you need them
6 Be that kind of friend
7 Finish what you started even if that
means calling it quits
8 Shine, not so that others can see you
but so that through you others can see Him
9 Step out of your comfort zone. You
will be surprised at just how much is waiting for you there.
10 Don't do things just because
everyone else is doing them. Do it because it is right for you
11 Discover what clothing suits you and
have fun getting dressed
12 Live with less. Many people already
do
13 Give thanks. Someone is praying
right now for the things that you take for granted
14 Find your voice and speak out
15 Just breathe
16 Be brave
17 We are all messy and in need of
grace. God is not an option, He is a necessity. Don't believe that
He will not give you more than you can handle. He will. It brings
you to Him. It doesn't make you weak – with Him you are stronger
18 Learn to forgive.
19 Find the music that makes your soul
sing. Play it loud.
20 Share your story. Chances are
someone is going through the exact same thing and they needed to
hear they are not alone
21 Give people the benefit of doubt.
You don't know their full story. Remember you can't change someone
else but you do have a choice about how you react.
22 Don't compare your backstage mess to
someone elses on stage performance
23 You are already amazing
24 Do things when (or as soon as) you
can. When you leave little things they turn into big things.
25 Be happy – now.
26 Leave room in the margin. 'In his
heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps'
Prov 16:9. You don't have to be in control of everything
27 Be generous. When you go from this
life you can only take what you have given away.
28 Don't wait for the perfect moment.
Take a moment and make it perfect
29 If you look for the extraordinary in
the ordinary, you can train yourself to see it.
30 Wherever you are be there
31 Marriage isn't for me. The best
thing you can do for your marriage is to turn the M around. Me into
We. Do things for your spouse that they love just because. Love is
a verb, it doesn't consist of gazing inwards, rather it is looking
outwards together in the same direction
32 There is no need to be perfect to
inspire others, let people be inspired by how you deal with your
imperfections. It is not who you are that holds you back, it's what
you think you are not
33 Enjoy your food. Eat healthy, try
new recipes, add flavour
34 Dream big. Keep a journal
35 Having kids doesn't get any easier
as they get older, it just changes. Find out what they like and who
they are and grow with them.
36 Keep it simple. Use what you have.
Where possible work out how to make things for yourself. It costs
less and usually there is less waste.
37 Keep finding good books that you
can't put down
38 Learn how to enjoy your own
company. If you can't pick yourself, who else will?
39 Say no to things so that your yes is
absolute
40 Do not fear the years to come –
Life gets more fabulous if you let it.
