39 Life Lessons I’ve Learned As I Turn 39
Turning 39 a few weeks ago didn’t hit me as hard as I thought, but really did get me feeling nostalgic. One of my biggest struggles is looking back and having regrets. Things I didn’t do, things I didn’t say, or opportunities I didn’t take. Often, I must remind myself that I am exactly on the path that God has laid out for me. Here are some thoughts and life lessons that I have learned as I look back on the past 39 years. My hope is that they may inspire, encourage, or even make you laugh a little.
- Enjoy your parents. Talk to them. Learn everything you can from them. You won’t have them forever.
- Find time every day to spend quiet time with God, it’s truly life giving.
- Sometimes it’s okay to walk away.
- At the same time, try not to burn bridges.
- Don’t accidentally unhook your epidural while you’re in active labor.
- Ask for help when you need it. You’re not a burden to the people who care for you.
- Religious trauma is a real thing.
- Find a gospel centered church community that lifts you up and where you feel accepted
- Don’t waste your time focusing on what you long to have. Keep your eyes on what’s right in front of you so you don’t miss out on it.
- Social media can be positive but can also cause harm. Be aware of how you feel after scrolling and take a break if you need to.
- A fresh coat of nail polish will always make you feel better.
- Sunshine is an instant mood lifter.
- 1997 was the best year for music.
- MLM companies are all the same. Don’t fall for the hype. (please don’t @ me for that one)
- Some people will use the Word of God in a harmful way, be mindful of who you choose as a teacher.
- Pasta tastes better in Italy.
- For that matter, food tastes better in Europe.
- Don’t spend money on books unless you know you will read them for years to come. The library is cheaper (i.e. free).
- People can’t read your mind. Learn to communicate in a healthy way. It will save you a lot of unnecessary frustration in the future.
- Practice or learn self-control. It’s one of the best qualities to have.
- You don’t need to go to a 4 year college to have a career.
- Assume that someone is trying their best before jumping to conclusions.
- Try to drink more than enough water every day.
- You’ll get hangry if you don’t get enough protein in the morning.
- Pickled onions kick every meal up a notch.
- Boundaries are important. In all areas of life. Set them and stick with them.
- Your friend groups will change as you get older and that’s okay.
- Capsule wardrobes make every season so much easier.
- Comparison and envy take joy away from your present, don’t fall into the trap. You’re right where you’re meant to be at this moment.
- Scrolling on social media is a time waster.
- Floss everyday, even if you hate it.
- The more “stuff” you have, the more cluttered your mind will be. Get rid of the excess.
- Wait 24 hours to buy something you put in your Amazon shopping cart. Most of the time you’ll decide you don’t really need it.
- The only thing you can bring to heaven is other people. Read that again.
- If you’re a boy mom, you’ll spend a majority of your time stepping on Legos, complaining about Legos, or picking up Legos.
- Find a doctor who makes you feel heard and make sure you keep up with your yearly exams.
- Let your kids be bored, that’s when their creativity comes out.
- God is still good, even when life feels really hard.
- Prioritize date night when your kids are young, it’s important to keep that connection when life gets monotonous.