Lessons I’ve learnt at 40

Yes, I know I’m 41 as I am writing this blog, but this blog has been in me since I turned 40, so finally here it is.

”It is astounding to think that you’ve been alive for nearly half a century”, I say to myself as I begin to write this blog while I’m in the middle of supervising two of our boys in cooking dinner for this evening (if you’re wondering what’s for dinner, it’s spaghetti bolognese #momlife).

These past forty years have been some of the best years of my life, not because of anything that has happened on the outside, but rather what has taken place on the inside of me. Bear with me as I try and put into words the feeling that has found such a place within me. It differs so much from the first three decades of my life, it’s quite remarkable. As I linger on the thought of how time has flown by at lightning speed, I realise that with it has come a sense of maturity, contentment, a type of rest, a mind of clarity, a heart so rich and full in gratefulness that words cannot describe, and a deep thankfulness for the gift of life, savouring every season we’ve been passing through.

What a journey. What a gift. 

So, in as much as I don’t like lists for things like this, I found myself at the age of 39 compiling a list of some of the things I had learnt in the last four decades as I reflected. Here they are:

1. Love God

2. Seek righteousness, Pursue goodness

3. Never hate those who hate you (love your enemies)

4. Always forgive, you always have true power and freedom when you forgive 

5. Care about people not things

6. Family is sacred

7. Take care of the body God gave you, let fitness, health and nutrition have space to occupy in your life

8. You only have one life, be careful how you live it and use it

9. You ALWAYS have a choice

10. Always be willing to put your hands up and admit fault when you are wrong

11. Be humble 

12. Be a lifelong learner

13. Be VERY open to new things 

14. Have time to be still, ponder, reflect

15. Adapt to any and every situation and circumstance you may find yourself in

16. When faced with being the one that’s right or being kind, choose kindness

17. Love hard but healthily 
18. Be confident in your choices as long as they are right

19. Be grateful and thankful

20. BE CONTENT it will bring you joy and happiness 

21. Have a vision and goal

22. Don't settle

23. Review your options, you always have options 

24. Try not to allow yourself to get tired or give up...be determined

25. BE PATIENT...it is a virtue

26. Trust GOD. Know who’s you are

27. DO all that's in your power to do at every given stage in life

28. Marriage is sacred

29.Experiences and memories can be everything 

30. Be generous

31. Surround yourself with likeminded individuals, individuals who CHALLENGE you and nurture quality relationships and don’t seek after quantity in friendships

32. Parenthood is sacred

33. God's Will prevails

34. Stop making excuses, you don’t have time

35. I’ve learnt that pain is useful and resourceful at aiding you to form character

36. Don’t exist, live and thrive

37. Never compromise on your beliefs, principles or values

38. Stay in your lane. Focus.

39. Form Discipline, it can be to your advantage when the days come and you have no motivation

40. Choose joy. So much can and will happen in life you cannot control, but you CAN choose joy

These are some of the things I have come to learn and understand so far in this world, they have become precious to me, some of the life lessons that have helped shaped me. I pray that wherever you are on the path, you take courage and have insight to know that times and seasons change. You will NOT be the same person that you are today reading this, in the next five years. Life can change. You will change. Take heart.

With love✍🏾,

- Liz💜