As I reflect on my 43rd Birthday and all of the life lessons learned, I thought, “What better way to honor my journey than to pass those life lessons along?” I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and I’m still seeking out more life lessons to learn. When I find them, you’ll be the first to know.

43 Life Lessons Learned

1. A large glass of lemon water in the morning is the best way to start the day.
2. When you become a parent, your children become your guides.
3. Marry your best friend, but don’t expect them to be your ONLY source of friendship.
4. Your mind is the most powerful muscle in your body.
5. To truly change part of your life, you must BECOME the identity that has those new behaviors. 
6. Interval workouts are ?? for efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Sugar is way more toxic than fat.
8. Calories don’t count. But, avoid excess refined, processed, and artificial sugars. 
9. High-waisted jeans are crucial for girls with short legs.
10. Mascara and lip gloss goes a long way.
11. You have all the answers inside – you just need to listen.
12. True wealth and financial security come from multiple streams of income. I currently have 4. How many do you have?
13. Wash your face every night, but just rinse with water in the morning.
14. Don’t think you need to eat breakfast first thing in the morning. This way of thinking is old-fashioned and outdated. 
15. Use credit cards wisely – take advantage of the points and benefits they offer, but only if you can pay them off every month.
16. Start saving for retirement as soon as you get your first job.
17. College isn’t for everyone.
18. Don’t forget to date your spouse or partner. Even when you have no money for fancy dates. Get dressed up and spend time together at home – it can be just as 9if not more) special. And it’s crucial for keeping the spark alive in your romantic relationship.
19. A little bit of sunshine every day is good for the body and mind.
20. Don’t compare yourself to others.
21. You won’t regret taking care of your skin when you’re young.
22. Prioritize joy in your everyday life.
23. Organized youth sports aren’t the only way for kids to learn teamwork and determination.
24. Life is too short to have a job you hate.
25. Don’t take advice from anyone who hasn’t done the thing you want to do.
26. We are human beings, not robots. Don’t expect perfection from anyone – including yourself.
27. You only have this one body to carry you through life. Care for it accordingly.
28. A healthy lifestyle is not one-size-fits-all. What works for your neighbor may not work for you. Don’t judge. But don’t worry when you need a different approach.
29. Changing who you are so that someone else will like you is a sure-fire way to end up miserable.
30. More isn’t always better.
31. Your hobbies don’t always need to be monetized. It’s okay to spend time doing something just because you enjoy it.
32. Be open to changing careers at least once in your life.
33. Don’t allow everyone else’s opinions to dictate how you spend your life. Instead, choose five-ish people whose opinions you truly value to be a sounding board and whose ideas you WILL consider (Thanks, Brene, for that nugget!)
34. Spend time figuring out your top three values in life, and keep them in mind when making big decisions.
35. Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want to happen. 
36. Deep belly breaths & gratitude set a calm, controlled tone for your day.
37. If you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with someone, your finances should be one combined asset.
38. Love is love is love. 
39. We are what we eat. Literally, the nutrients in our food become our cells, tissues, and organs. Eat accordingly.
40. Sleep is when the magic happens. Don’t skimp on it.
41. Learn your love language and that of those you love. And then show love to others the way they want to receive it.
42. The dose makes the poison. Don’t stress too much about every little thing you eat, drink, or put on your body. But ALSO, pay attention to how much of any one thing you’re doing, thinking, or ingesting.
43. The more you find joy, have gratitude and love about your current life situation, the more you’ll have in the future.

There you have it! I’d love to hear from you about which one of these you resonated with or surprised you the most. Are there any with which you disagree? I love a health discussion – let’s have it in the comments!

To learn more about health journey and how many of these life lessons learned came my way, check out this blog:

How to Embrace Healthy Living [follow these tips]