40 Things I've Learned In 40 Years

No, this is absolutely NOT one of those "40 things you should know before turning 40" lists. Everyone is on their own, unique timeline, learning different lessons, in different ways, at different times, according to their special purpose. This is just a bullet journal entry that I spell-checked and added numbers to. What do you know, there were 40 thangs and I'm just about 40—a blog post was born.

✨ Forty things I’ve learned in Forty years ✨

1. The most important promises to keep are the ones to yourself.

2. For as sure as I am that chocolate is the superior flavor, someone else genuinely, wholeheartedly, passionately feels vanilla is supreme. Neither of us is wrong.

3. Relax, you’ve already “earned” the downtime.

4. You’re wasting time wanting to be “The type of person who ________.” Just be it.

5. Lemons don’t just turn into lemonade until you squeeze them out and add sugar.

6. If you don’t believe in the product (whether it be a t-shirt, membership, service, yourself…), improve it, not the ways you’re trying to sell it.

7. Thinking a goal is not the same as writing it down.

8. If he or she really wanted to, they would.

9. Money is nothing more than a tool.

10. Your job is not your identity. Jobs are externally assigned while identity comes from within.

11. Limits are make-believe and self-imposed.

12. Even constants are seasonal.

13. Just because you write something in your journal and have a big a-ha moment doesn’t mean you’re healed.

14. Not knowing how something is 'supposed to go' gives you a creative edge.

15. Staring at an endless horizon over the ocean puts everything in perspective.

16. The secrets to success aren’t paid for with college tuition.

17. Anyone can go to church but it’s a special person who is the church.

18. Everything is figure-out-able.

19. Literally every single person can teach something.

20. Nothing is a big deal unless you make it one—that goes for good things and bad things.

21. Being friends with your neighbors changes an entire life experience.

22. We’re all one phone call from our knees and one prayer from a testimony.

23. You actually can make new old friends; it just takes time.

24. You set the dress code for your life. As far as I know, sequins are not banned anywhere.

25. Not all rules are meant to be broken but I still feel like all should at least be questioned. Questioning does not make you a bad person.

26. A library card can buy more than any credit card.

27. The most expensive seats are usually front row, especially at a funeral.

28. No man, fancy job title, amount of money, or applause is ever worth dulling your morals.

29. Not asking for help stems from a limiting belief, not a strong independent woman.

30. Everyone likes to be invited, even if they can’t go.

31. Fashion and friendships are ageless.

32. No one knows when they hit their middle age.

33. It’s scientifically proven physically impossible to feel both anxiety and gratitude at the same time, so choose one.

34. Rejection is often protection.

35. Cleaning up your bedroom has a way of cleaning up your mind.

36. Celebrating isn’t bragging.

37. Most people don’t know how talented they are because it’s just normal to them. The same goes for you.

38. If you want forgiveness you have to give it.

39. Even throwing on a pair of sweats, clothing is ceremonial and symbolic.

40. You’re doing better than you think you are.

I'd like to think that I've learned more than just these random 40 thoughts, but these were the scum that rose to the top. I hope you found something among them that resonated. It would mean so much to me if you share the one you felt the most and tag @MermaidWalkingBoutique so I see it.