15 Transformative Lessons I’ve Embraced in My Early 40s
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1. Resilience is My Superpower
Life threw challenges and rocks (rarely flowers) my way, but I’ve proven to myself that I can adapt, rebuild, and thrive no matter the odds and bounce back again.
2. Self-Love Sets the Standard
I’ve learned that how I treat myself determines what I’ll accept from others, both in relationships and in life. How you show up for yourself is how you are going to show up for others.
3. Boundaries are Acts of Love
I’ve realized that saying “NO” to others is saying “YES” to my peace and self-respect. However, knowing your boundaries is something and learning how to communicate them, set them and stand by them is something else, so, it’s still an ongoing learning journey.
4. Walking Away is Strength, Not Weakness
Whether it’s a toxic job, friendship, or relationship, I now know that leaving isn’t quitting, it’s choosing myself. So be smart on how much time and energy you want to invest in someone or something, you’re not that young anymore to waste your precious time and energy.
5. High Standards Reflect My Worth
I’ve embraced that my expectations and standards for relationships and life aren’t “too high”, they’re aligned with my values and growth. If I can meet those standards and my friends can meet those standards then you can!
6. Balance Over Burnout
I’ve shifted from constant hustling to celebrating achievements and enjoying the life I’ve worked hard to build. I took few steps back and looked at my life and realized …
“wow! I made it that far? Let me relax and enjoy what I have”.
7. Independence with a Touch of Vulnerability
While I pride myself on self-sufficiency, I’ve learned that showing vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. You can’t build a genuine connection without letting someone in, and being vulnerable is letting someone in. It comes with pain and it’s hard to trust again yes, but you gotta put yourself out there and deal with the pain because it is inevitable.
8. Curiosity is a Life-Long Gift
My love for learning, be it through meeting new people, learning new skills, or self-reflection, keeps me inspired and evolving. I keep challenging myself to expand my potentials. You know the curiosity that killed that cat? I am that cat!
9. Emotions are My Internal GPS
I’ve stopped ignoring my gut feelings. They guide me toward what aligns with my values and away from what doesn’t. I’m an intuitive person and very good at reading people and situations. I’m learning to rely on that more and trust that feeling, besides my analytical side and thinking.
10. Joy is a Choice
Yes, it is. I’ve realized happiness doesn’t depend on external milestones but on the little, intentional joys I create every day. Happiness is being content and satisfied with who you are, what you have and what you have achieved so far.
11. Career Success is About Relationships, Too
Building trust, navigating challenges, and mentoring others have taught me that success is just as much about people as it is about results.
12. Financial Freedom Fuels Peace
I’ve worked hard to build the life I have now and to manage my finances, and I now appreciate how financial stability allows me to pursue my dreams, not totally without fear but by taking calculated risks.
13. Letting Go of Perfectionism
I’ve learned that being perfect isn’t the goal, showing up authentically and doing my best is enough. It’s not about the end results, it’s about the journey.
14. Kindness is My Legacy
In a world that can be harsh, I’ve chosen to remain kind, empathetic, and supportive, even when it’s not easy. I chose not to wear a mask and be authentic to myself and others.
15. It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Myself
Whether it’s a new project, career shift, or relationship, I know I have the courage and capability to start fresh whenever needed. I have developed a guidebook on how to start from multiple different points in life.
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