It’s hard to believe, but tomorrow I turn 42. I don’t always feel it—until I move and the little aches remind me that I’m getting older. My kids will be 19 and 21 this year, which makes the number real. Overall, life has treated me well. That doesn’t mean I haven’t faced heartache and hardship; it just means I try to focus on the good. Getting older has its perks: I take myself less seriously and I’m more comfortable in my own skin. Here are the top 42 lessons I’ve learned in 42 years:
- Good things do come to an end.
- Bad days are only as bad as you make them—keep a glass-half-full mindset.
- Happiness comes from within, not from someone else.
- Who you are matters far more than what you own—possessions are just things.
- Taking the high road is difficult, but the view afterward is easier to live with.
- Exercise isn’t just about burning calories; it’s a mental reset and a chance for fresh air.
- Many things are better left unsaid.
- Having older kids can be bittersweet, but the extra free time can feel liberating.
- Divorce isn’t an ending—it’s the start of something new.
- Betrayal reflects on the betrayer, not on you.
- Honesty is one of the finest qualities anyone can have.
- Life goes on whether you’re a size 6 or 16—live it fully.
- Doing what you love for a living is wonderful, but it’s still work.
- Friendships come and go for reasons only life understands.
- Forgiving someone is for your peace of mind, not necessarily for theirs.
- Saying “I love you” matters, but making someone feel loved matters more.
- Cookies can fix things—at least for a few minutes.
- Having great parents is a true blessing.
- Fifteen minutes of quiet time and devotion in the morning can improve your whole day.
- Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.
- Being a mother is my greatest joy and my biggest worry.
- Family isn’t only about blood; sometimes the people you choose become your family.
- A good vacation is worth the cost.
- Paying cash feels different than swiping a card—more tangible and mindful.
- Technology is both a lifeline and a time thief.
- The best lessons often come from the hardest moments.
- Seasons of life change, but your core values should stay steady.
- A good cry can be the best medicine sometimes.
- Forcing things rarely works; if it feels forced, it probably is.
- Investing in yourself is never a waste of time.
- Tragic, life-altering events can happen to anyone, even the best people.
- There’s almost nothing a girls’ night out can’t help with.
- You get out of a marriage what you put into it.
- When opportunities come, take them and run with them.
- Don’t pray for patience if you don’t want more chances to practice it.
- Sometimes bras and fancy shoes are overrated.
- Saying “thank you” never goes unnoticed.
- Everyone is entitled to their opinion—let them have it.
- The gift of time often outweighs money.
- Moms should trust their instincts.
- Things are not always what they seem.
- Everyone deserves a second chance, but a third may not always be wise.
I’m heading into the weekend with a small cold (womp, womp), but I’m looking forward to time with family. I’m also excited for year 43 and plan to savor every moment. Happy birthday to me!