40 Things I've Learned in My 40 Years of Life
Reflections as I turn over a new decade.
I'm T-minus 3 weeks until I turn 40.
40 is weird. It feels like I'm entering "middle age," yet I still feel like I'm 18 most days. But there's also something really magical that's been happening over the last few months; I feel like I'm shedding the first half of life and entering into this really magical second half.
I'm leaning into who I am. I'm prioritizing the things that matter the most (family, home, travel, holidays), and not worrying so much about the stuff that doesn't serve me.
Over the past three years I've been keeping a running document on my desktop called "Things I Learned" where I jot down life lessons, inspiration, and ah-ha moments that I've read about or learned about.
And today, I want to share 40 of the things I've written in that document.
40 Things I've Learned
Less is better.
I can do anything but not everything at the same time.
Boundaries are my best friend.
Boundaries aren't about saying 'no' to others, but 'yes' to myself.
Live more in the moment.
If it's not a 'fuck yes,' it's a 'fuck no.'
Say 'no' more often.
Do the hardest thing first.
Workaholics are not heroes.
Always choose yourself first.
Change the word 'but' to 'and.'
Check in with finances once a week.
Charge more.
Inner confidence shouldn't rely on outer comparison.
Life is lived forwards and understood backward.
Make more room for the lilies and let go of the leeches.
Self-confidence is what you show on the outside; self-worth is what you feel on the inside. Self-confidence is believing youāre skilled enough. Self-worth is believing you are enough.
Nothing is a mistake. It either takes you to the next right destination or the next right lesson.
You always have the opportunity to choose joy.
Claim ownership when good things happen.
Resentment only poisons the person who consumes it.
Being quiet is confident.
Power can be soft.
Having a routine is the biggest form of self-care.
Invest in yourself always.
Take time daily to be quiet and meditate.
Take time daily to be in nature.
Everyone you encounter, bring them a gift, whether a compliment, a flower, or a prayer.
Be constantly aware and grateful for every gift in life, no matter how small.
Wealth circulates by giving.
Live in the moment and prepare for the future.
Always practice acceptance - accept people, situations, circumstances.
Embrace uncertainty.
Write down every little thing that matters in life and try your best to stay true to them.
Stop putting other people's opinions on a pedestal.
You are the love of your own life.
If you have running water, money in the bank, electricity, and time to read a book you are doing better than most people.
95% of the things you want in life are things you can create through hard work, consistency, and patience.
Most adults have the emotional capacity of an 8-year-old, and you cannot change that.
You are the only person you are guaranteed to spend the rest of your life with, so what kind of relationship do you want to have with yourself?
Pretty deep, I know. But these are the things that have made the biggest impact on me and what I'll be taking into this new decade of life.
I'd love to know what your biggest lessons of life have been! Email me and let me know!
If you want to talk life or marketing, my Calendly is open for a free call!
Michelle Johnson is the owner and founder of Slow Burn Marketing Co. A boutique Utah-based marketing agency that helps other female-owned and operated businesses create beautiful websites that also work behind the scenes to get you found on the internet. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about Slow Burn Marketing Co.'s services.
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