40 for 40: Life Lessons from a 40 Year-Old
Another year, another birthday! This year was extra special as I closed out one decade and celebrated entering a new one…my 40’s! The first question most people asked me after reaching this milestone has been “How does it feel?”; my answer, “I LOVE IT!”
I believe age is just a number and doesn't define you. At 40 years old, I feel as if I’m in the best shape of my life - physically, mentally and spiritually. Sure, it’s taken a while to get here and I’ve endured both high’s and low’s along the way, but I’m grateful for all the lessons those experiences taught me. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be exactly who I am at this exact moment.
So as I sit here on my 40th birthday in Florence, Italy - overlooking the Arno River from my AirBnB balcony - I want to share with you what I’ve learned thus far in this crazy game of life that we all play. I created a 40 for 40 list. It contains a collection of 40 insights I’ve uncovered, questions I’ve asked myself and pieces of wisdom I’ve learned along the way. My hope is that at least one of these resonates with and inspires you to think differently, feel differently or choose a new action regardless of your age.
So without furhter ado, - 40 for 40!
1) Presence is the greatest gift.
2) Create before consuming.
3) Purchase experiences over material possessions.
4) How many different identities can I live in this lifetime?
5) There’s no branding that can replace love, kindness and connection.
6) Focus on your being vs. doing.
7) Laugh and play as much as possible.
8) What is your body trying to tell you?
9) Seek adventure each day.
10) Action creates confidence and momentum.
11) It’s not just what you do, but how you do it.
12) Evaluate often to celebrate, reflect and pivot.
13) Fail early and often.
14) Embody being a beginner.
15) Who are you surrounding yourself with?
16) How am I nourishing my body - physically, mentally and spiritually?
17) Receiving is an art and just as important as giving.
18) What does this emotion require to be fully processed?
19) Align your life to your values.
20) If you believed you could, what action would you take?
21) Courage is required to follow your path.
22) Use all your senses to deeply experience today.
23) Awareness enables change.
24) Happiness is created, not bought.
25) Turn inward and regain your power.
26) Use your two legs to explore and uncover the beauty around you.
27) Duality exists everywhere - how can both be true?
28) Embrace your uniqueness and share it.
29) Move your body everyday.
30) Connect to your breath.
31) What does your heart say?
32) Simplify across all areas of life - less is more.
33) Nature heals and teaches.
34) See as many sunrises and sunsets as possible - you won’t regret it!
35) Travel expands perspective and appreciation.
36) Follow your intuition.
37) Dream big and stay open to possibilities.
38) You are what you consume, so choose with intention.
39) Consistency - one step forward everyday.
40) Love as hard and as much as you can today.
Congratulations, because if you're reading this line that means you’ve made it all the way through the 40 for 40 list! If you enjoyed this list, I’d love to know which statement(s) resonated for you and what would you add based on your own experiences? Share your response using the form below.