Bye Bye, Thirties!

Well, this is it...my very last day as a thirtysomething. My thirties brought about so many major life changes and while I wouldn't trade any of those years, or the lessons I learned during them, for anything, I am looking forward to my forties and believe they may just be the very best years yet.

Some valuable life lessons I've learned in the past decade...

 1. It is possible to love a second baby every bit as much as the first one.  A wise woman once said, "that second baby is like the icing on the cake."  And how right she was. And while I only had two, I'm sure this is true for each and every one God blesses you with.


2. Tomorrows are never guaranteed to any of us and while I've still not fully mastered it, I know how very wise it is to live each day on this earth as if it were your last and to never put off saying what you truly feel, for you may not ever get another opportunity.  

3. "You only go around once."  Someone once gave Darin that advice when he was struggling with the decision of whether or not to  surprise me with a second Dachshund for Mother's Day one year.  I thought that was the best advice I'd ever heard and I am constantly reminded of it.  Needless to say, he got the dog.  


4. Changing your hairstyle after a major life altering event has a way of saying, "Hey, look at me!  Someone moved my cheese, but I'm adapting, surviving and I'm going to be okay...different, but okay. And probably even better."


5. Empathy is an extremely powerful emotion and sharing a difficult and trying life experience with someone often has a way of creating an immediate bond and priceless friendship.


6. 'Old' friends are one of God's greatest blessings.  Spending time or talking with a friend/friends you've known since adolescence or childhood, re-awakens the soul and keeps your heart and spirit young.  


7. Broken hearts are always mendable, no matter how many times they've been broken.  The key is to never allow yourself to become bitter or cynical about life or love and always be willing to get back in the saddle and give it another shot.  Always be willing to give it another shot.  No matter what.


8. We all make mistakes.  The important thing is to learn from them, grow from them, ask forgiveness for them, and vow to never make them again.  And if you do make them again, rinse and repeat until you get it right.  


9. Holding onto anger and resentment drains you of energy and darkens your spirit.  Letting go frees and enlightens.


10. If you expect others to respect you, then you must first respect yourself.  And be willing to forgive yourself for the times when you didn't.


11. When your gut/intuition tells you something is or isn't right, listen to it!  


12. Prayer works.  Don't ever believe it doesn't. If you start thinking God isn't listening or answering your prayers,  you need to stop and ask yourself why you think that is.  What we want and think is best for us, is not always God's will for our lives and He always knows what is best for us.  This I know for sure.


13. If you get the feeling that God is talking to you and trying to tell you something... lead you to something, then by all means, listen up and pay attention.  


14. Giving is far more rewarding than receiving.  


15. Don't ever look to others for your own fulfillment and happiness.  You and you alone are the only one who holds that power.

 Now bring it, 40!