I’m just a few hours away from hitting the big 4–0, and whew, Chile, what a ride my thirties have been! As I get ready to close this chapter and walk into a new decade, I feel all sorts of emotions — gratitude and love being the top ones.
Sitting here and reflecting, my thirties were packed with ups and downs, lessons learned, and personal growth & healing. So, before I officially step into my forties, I thought I’d share 39 lessons that have really shaped me over the past decade. These gems of wisdom have helped me navigate life and have made me feel ready for what’s next.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Self-Care is a Must: Taking care of myself isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential. It’s the foundation for everything else in my life.
- Boundaries are Key: Setting and sticking to boundaries has been crucial for keeping my balance and sanity.
- Saying No is Okay: Saying no when I need to has become a superpower for managing my priorities and energy.
- Time is Precious: I’ve learned to spend my time wisely on what truly matters and brings me joy.
- Quality Friendships Over Quantity: Having a few deep, meaningful friendships is way more fulfilling than a bunch of shallow ones.
- Experiences > Things: Investing in experiences has brought me more lasting joy than any material stuff ever could.
- Change is Inevitable: Embracing change rather than fighting it has led to so much personal growth.
- Failures are Stepping Stones: Each failure is a lesson and has taught me something and pushed me closer to where I want to be.
- Trust Your Gut: My intuition has guided me through life’s decisions.
- Mental Health Matters: Taking care of my mental health is as important as my physical health.
- You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have: I need to take care of myself before I can care for others.
- Let Go of What You Can’t Control: Focusing on what I can control has made life less stressful.
- Comparison Steals Joy: Comparing myself to others only takes away my happiness. Embracing my path has been so much better.
- Be Your Own Cheerleader: Supporting and encouraging myself has been a game-changer for my confidence.
- Kindness Goes a Long Way: Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day — and mine.
- Age is Just a Number: My mindset has been more important than my age in shaping my life.
- Forgiveness is Freedom: Learning to forgive others (and myself) has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.
- Take Risks: Growth happens outside of my comfort zone, so I’ve learned to take those leaps.
- Positive Vibes Only: Surrounding myself with positive energy and people has kept me motivated and happy.
- Keep Learning: Staying curious and open to new knowledge has kept life exciting and full of possibilities.
- Cherish the Little Things: The small moments often bring the most joy and meaning.
- Be Intentional with Your Time: Being purposeful about how I spend my time has made a huge difference.
- Gratitude is Powerful: Practicing gratitude has shifted my focus from what I don’t have to what I do.
- Starting Over is Okay: Sometimes, a fresh start is exactly what’s needed for new opportunities.
- Pursue Your Dreams: Following my dreams has been a journey, and it’s worth it, no matter how long it takes.
- Patience is Key: Being patient with myself and others has fostered much understanding and growth.
- Authenticity Attracts the Right People: Being true to myself has brought the right people and opportunities into my life.
- Speak Up: My voice matters, and sharing my thoughts and ideas has been empowering.
- Balance is a Moving Target: Striving for balance is essential, but it’s okay if things aren’t always perfectly balanced.
- Perfectionism is Overrated: Embracing imperfections and focusing on progress has been so freeing.
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: Finding humor in life’s ups and downs has kept me grounded and happy.
- Your Worth is Not About Productivity: I’ve learned that my worth isn’t tied to what I achieve or do.
- Celebrate the Wins: Big or small, celebrating my successes has kept me motivated and positive.
- Be Open to All Forms of Love: Embracing love in its many forms has added so much richness to my life.
- Have Fun: Incorporating play and fun into life keeps it vibrant and joyful.
- Empathy is Key: Practicing empathy has deepened my relationships and understanding of others.
- You’re Always Evolving: Personal growth is a continuous journey; embracing it has been liberating.
- Focus on Progress: Celebrating progress rather than striving for perfection has made the journey more enjoyable.
- The Best is Yet to Come: I’m stepping into the future with excitement and anticipation for what’s next.
Bonus: Self-love is the Foundation of a Great and Purposeful Life. Loving myself has been the key to living a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
So, here’s to my 40s! I’m carrying these lessons with me, ready for whatever comes next. Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
What lessons have you learned along the way? Share your thoughts below!
XO, Moeluvin
