Today is my 50th birthday! That’s kind of crazy!

It’s been on my mind to share some of the wisdom and thoughts I have formed over the years. Honestly I feel a bit silly because on the inside I am still in my 20’s. There are an infinite number of things I have learned and while I thought coming up with 50 things would be hard, it was actually quite easy.

So here, in no particular order, are 50 Things I’ve Learned by Age 50!

1.   God is Faithful. He has proven himself repeatedly in my life and His presence will always be my greatest comfort.
2.   I didn’t understand God’s love until I had children of my own. I love my kids more than life itself. They are my heart – with feet.
3.   As a parent I’ve made a million mistakes. I apologize to my kids when I mess up. This way they understand everyone is flawed and they can confide in me with their struggles and flaws.
4.   Marriage is hard work. The more you invest in it, the greater life can be.
5.   Not everyone is going to like me, and that’s OK.
6.   A true friendship picks up where it left off, no matter how much time has passed.
7.   Forgiveness is almost always about you and not the other person.
8.   Words have power. Choose your words carefully.
9.   Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gets you nowhere.
10. You can’t change other people. You can change how you respond to other people.
11. Being vulnerable can be one of your greatest strengths. Thanks, Brené Brown.
12. Life is too short to live it for other people’s approval. You’ll never please everyone.
13. Being a good example is way more important than just giving advice.
14. Do the things that scare you the most. Don’t be afraid to fail.
15. No matter how old you get; beets still taste like dirt.
16. My friends are as precious to me as family.
17. I’ll never get to read all the books I want.
18. It’s OK to eat dessert first – or only dessert.
19. I’ll no longer stuff my feet in shoes that hurt even if they’re gorgeous. Comfort trumps fashion.
20. Grammar is very important. Please learn the difference between there, their and they’re.
21. Your value is not defined by a number on a scale.
22. Good books, movies and music are like therapy to my soul.
23. Time moves on even if you don’t.
24. Nobody except Martha can fold a fitted sheet. It’s OK. Let it go.
25. Smile at strangers. You could make someone’s day.
26. If you want to achieve something you need to be disciplined. Motivation is not enough.
27. Never feel guilty for sleeping late in the morning.
28. Learn to appreciate what you have. You have far more than most of the people that live in this world.
29. Your house will almost always be a little messy. Don’t hesitate to entertain because people relate to messy.
30. Appreciate teachers, mentors, and therapists. You can never repay their value.
31. Coffee is life. It’s good for your circulation and your sanity.
32. As I get older, I have zero tolerance for drama.
33. Whatever your passion, pursue it as though your days were numbered. Because they are.
34. Learning to meditate is one of life’s greatest gifts.
35. Taking time for myself benefits everyone else around me.
36. You don’t have to attend every event you are invited to.
37. Who cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and do it.
38. Nobody is “normal”.
39. The most valuable function performed by the federal government is entertainment.
40. You don’t have to finish a book if you don’t like it.
41. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
42. Tell your people you love them … a lot. Make it weird.
43. Things that cost nothing, hold the most value.
44. Cough syrup doesn’t work. Take a shot (or 3) of whiskey.
45. When you say you’ll do something, do it with your whole heart or not at all.
46. The best way to avoid disappointment is to adjust your expectations.
47. I would rather surround myself with people who make a lot of mistakes and have no problem admitting them, then to surround myself with people who think they make none.
48. Life is too short for dishes. Use paper plates and plastic cups.
49. Laundry day is much easier when all your socks are the same so you don’t have to sort them.
50. Every day is a gift. Find the presents.