40 Odd Things I've Learned In 40 Odd Years

When thinking about having a child, buying a home or going on a dream vacation, it will never seem like it's the right time or you have enough money. You just have to take the leap and do it!
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  1. Celebrate your inner quirkiness! Don't apologize for who you are. People respect authenticity and it's OK if you're an acquired taste.

  • Dream big and live every day as if it is your last. Don't postpone joy or bother with regrets.
  • When thinking about having a child, buying a home or going on a dream vacation, it will never seem like it's the right time or you have enough money. You just have to take the leap and do it!
  • Find activities you enjoy doing with your partner. It will get you through tough times, not in the mood times, postpartum times and more.
  • Your friends can be your family. My friends certainly are.
  • Don't let people walk all over you. It doesn't matter who they are. If someone isn't kind to you, draw a line in the sand. Certain behaviors are simply not acceptable.
  • Get rid of toxic people in your life. Even if they are family.
  • If you don't like where you live, stop complaining and MOVE.
  • You cannot say "I love you" too much with your loved ones.
  • Learn from your mistakes. Don't be a repeat offender.
  • As important as it is to be appreciated, it is more important to show your appreciation for others.
  • Sometime you have money, sometimes you don't. It comes and goes. Find happiness regardless of your finances.
  • Choose your battles carefully and infrequently. There is usually room to compromise, and it's OK to let others "win" for the sake of peace.
  • We are too quick to judge and never quick enough to pay a compliment. Be generous with your praise and gratitude.
  • Feeding others a good meal can feed your soul. Learn to cook at least a few dishes really well.
  • Delivery is critical. Be mindful of how you come across to others. It is not just about what you intend to say, but how you say it.
  • Being honest is sometimes hard, but it never has a truly negative consequence.
  • Talk less and listen more.
  • Don't expect people to read your mind. TELL them what you are thinking and feeling. Communication is so much easier when you take the guesswork out of it.
  • I will never be a workaholic again. Working 80-hour weeks and surviving on coffee and cigarettes made me sick and bedridden for two years. Work is not worth sacrificing your health.
  • Be there for your loved ones in good times and bad. Make the effort to travel to weddings, funerals and births. Big life events require big live hugs.
  • Learning to ask for help is difficult but necessary. Let others help you. (But don't become helpless!)
  • It is OK to have a bad day once in a while. But you hold the power to have more good days than bad. Happiness is a choice.
  • Getting a haircut, mani/pedi or massage can change your mood. Be good to yourself.
  • You don't have to like everyone all of the time. Don't beat yourself up over it.
  • Be forgiving. It's almost never easy, but you will feel relieved when you do it.
  • Help others less fortunate than yourself.
  • Find the time to email, text, write and call people who are important to you with a quick message like "Thinking of you. Hope you are doing well." Everyone likes to know they are being thought of from time to time.
  • Never give up hope. I met my husband at 37 and gave birth to my son the next year. Absolutely worth the wait.
  • You cannot change others. You can only change yourself.
  • Don't be scared to try new things. Learn a new skill, eat an exotic food, make new friends and get out of your comfort zone.
  • Become a part of your local community.
  • There is a time and a place for pain medication.
  • Take lots of pictures. Share them with loved ones often.
  • Be coachable. And be honored if you are in a position to coach someone else.
  • Don't judge someone on a first impression. They might be having a bad day. Give them another chance. Or two.
  • Your past shapes you but doesn't define you.
  • Laugh and smile often. It will make you and everyone around you feel better.
  • Good health is the foundation for everything in life. Don't take it for granted. Make it a priority before it's too late.
  • The only things truly worth being upset about are sickness and loss. Most of your worries won't seem so big by comparison.
  • We plan, God laughs. Once you acknowledge you're not in control, it's easier to adapt.
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