40 Things I’ve Learned from 40 Years of Living

So in July, I turned the big 4-0! It was a milestone that I was actually thrilled to cross. Many people I went to school with didn’t make it this far, so I am grateful to have reached this milestone. I sat reflecting on what I have learned until now and decided to make a list. At first, it was difficult to really narrow it all down, so I just decided to write them as they came to my mind, and this is what I came up with….

1. God is good!
2. I am nothing without Him
3. It is ok to make mistakes
4. Not everyone thinks like you
5. Don’t expect YOU from people
6. Sometimes you outgrow things…even people
7. Be yourself
8. Choose those who choose you
9. If you don’t like something about yourself change it
10. People’s opinion of you is usually a reflection of themselves (good or bad)
11. Things are never as good or as bad as they seem
12. I am actually a pretty cool person
13. You can tell a lot about a person by the things they gravitate to
14. I often contradict myself…not purposely, my opinions of things just change sometimes
15. Give your parents a break, they were never parents before
16. Give yourself a break
17. Always show grace for yourself and others
18. No one is perfect
19. Confidence is silent, insecurities are usually loud
20. Sometimes you have to unlearn things
21. I am comfortable in my skin
22. It is a blessing to have good women on your side
23. Everyday is not going to be a good day
24. You will encounter bad people
25. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12)
26. Building your relationship with God will get your through some tough times
27. Sometimes life circumstances are a result of the decisions you have made… how you choose to respond to certain situations will yield the results from your decisions (good or bad)
28. First impressions are important
29. I am a masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)
30. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
31. Never put your full reliance on man
32. We all need a little therapy
33. Don’t let your gifts go to waist
34. Life is too short to be miserable
35. Family is everything (use whatever definition of family you like)
36. Even though I don’t always like people, we are not meant to be alone… Keep good people around you
37. It’s ok to ask for help—many times, we don’t have what we need because we are too proud to ask… there are plenty of people who have been sent to help you but you won’t ask or accept
38. Save your money!!
39. Don’t be a follower… you weren’t made to blend in.  You were made to stand out
40. Put God above all things

There are so many things I can add to this list, but since I said 40, I am going to keep it at that, lol!! I am so thankful and grateful for the woman I have become. I thank God for giving me the life, the mind, and the opportunities that He has given me.  I wouldn’t trade my 40 years of experience for anything in the world.  I just pray that I keep living and learning for the next 40+ years!! Be blessed, y’all!