Last Monday, I turned 40 years old. I know this post is late, but I had to write this when I felt ready.
I can’t believe I am telling you that I am 40 years old, because for some reason, I can’t stand to hear the number 40 come out of my mouth and I even have an issue typing the numbers.
Saying and typing the number really sounds old to me. I’m sure I’ll get use to it sooner or later. Better yet, I just won’t say the number at all. 🙂
One thing I can say is that when I do tell someone my age, they do a double and triple take looking me up and down, because they can’t believe that I am the age I say that I am.
I am thankful that I don’t look my age. Then again what does a 40-year-old look like? Not old, I hope! 😉
Today, I’ll share more life lessons that I have learned along the way.
Let’s do this!
40 Lessons I Have Learned
1. Children are a gift.
2. All children are special, not just those with special needs.
3. Don’t hold a grudge against anyone, it’s just not worth the time, energy and your health.
4. Hate kills you and not the other person, so don’t hate.
5. Give people their flowers while they are living, because when they are no longer alive, it really doesn’t matter.
6. Live each day in the moment. Don’t worry about tomorrow, because we have today.
7. I’m an out spoken person, more now than I have ever been. It feels good not letting others run over me.
8. Go for whatever you want in life, what do you have to lose.
9. Smile even when you don’t feel like it, because smiling helps you feel better.
10. If you want to know something, ask. What harm can it do?
11. You don’t have to go to a church building to have a relationship with God.
12. Listen and watch people very closely, because they show you who they are without ever uttering a word.
13. Love everyone, not just those in your particular group or click.
14. I can change how I feel (health), by what I eat and don’t eat.
15. Nothing is always as it seems.
16. Tell your loved ones you love them, because it could be the last time you see them.
17. The media never tells the truth. They only tell you what they want you to know.
18. Nothing lasts forever.
19. You are never too old to live your dreams.
20. Hard work pays off.
21. You can’t help anyone until you have yourself together.
22. All we have is today, so make the best of it.
23. Good things really do come to those who wait.
24. Giving to others is truly a blessing.
25. Don’t let anyone keep you from living the life you want for yourself.
26. Always take good care of yourself, because as you age, it will tell on you.
27. Always say “Thank you,” when someone does anything for you.
28. We never get a second chance to make a first impression, so always be on your Ps and Qs (“mind your manners”, “mind your language”, “be on your best behaviour” – Wikipedia)
29. Never back track once a friendship or love relationship has ended.
30. Accept people as they are, you can’t change them, so live with it.
31. Men and women are different, we are not the same.
32. Do what you are passionate about the most, because when you get tired, you will not quit what you love the most.
33. Taking breaks and time for yourself helps you stay focused.
34. You are only as good as you think. You must believe in yourself!
35. Show people you care by your actions and not by words only.
36. Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
37. Your words can heal or they can kill. Choose your words wisely.
38. Death is inevitable, we cannot live forever, so make the best of life while you can.
39. Forgiveness is a healer, so forgive freely and move on with living.
40. We only live once and we only have one body. Take good care of both (your life and your body)!
Bonus:
- Just because you are older than me, doesn’t mean you know it all. Be open to learn from anyone even if they are younger you are.
- Believe more of what you see and less of what you hear.
If you want to add to this list, please feel free to do so.
msfullroller says
I absolutely love your list and you are looking beautiful!
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Ms. Fullroller,
I appreciate you stopping by! Glad you love the list and thank you so much for the compliment.
Take care,
Evelyn
ChocolateOrchid says
OMG!! Happy Belated Birthday, Evelyn!!
So sorry I missed this. I hope that it was wonderful.
And yes, you do look great!!
Welcome to the 40 club!! 😉
{{Hugs}}
Evelyn Parham says
Hi CO,
Thank you, no problem! I just happy you stopped by!
Hugs, back at you! 😉
Andre says
Hi Evelyn,
Happy Belated Birthday. Great Post. Remember the 40’s is the new 20’s.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Andre,
Thanks for stopping by!
I try to remember that. 😉
Céline Mademoiselle says
Hi Evelyn,
Happy birthday to uuu (sorry for being late;-)
I’ve just found out your blog and I feel positive energy.
I read the 40 lessons (I’m 28) and I think They will help me a lot.
I follow you with pleasure !!!
xoxo from a style lover in Belgium
Céline Mademoiselle
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Celine,
Welcome to my blog!
Happy you feel positive energy here and I do hope you stop by again. 😉
Enjoy your weekend!
Evelyln
Aiko says
Happy birthday Eve! Life is wonderful and becomes even better at 40 🙂 Stay pretty and awesome! I love all your post, take care!
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Aiko,
Thank you!
I’ll do my best! 🙂
Take care,
Evelyn
Vibrant says
Happy Birthday to you!
FORTY IS NOT FATAL – YOU ARE NOW FORTY FABULOUS.
Your 40 list – spoke the truth. Keep it coming.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Vibrant,
I’m glad you stopped by! 😉
Thank you for reminding me that 40 is FABULOUS!
Take care,
Evelyn
Health Blog says
Congratulations on your 40th birthday.
Evelyn Parham says
Thank you!
Jennifer Valerie says
Happy 40th Evelyn. My 39th is later this year and then the 40 next year. I love all of the above lessons. #7 is the one that really resonated with me. I am much more outspoken than I was before and it feels good. It’s like God and age has given me this confidence that as long as I’m not being mean or rude it’s okay to express myself.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Jennifer,
I’m so happy you stopped by.
Thank you so much!
We can be outspoken without being rude. There is a right and wrong way to say anything. Thank God for wisdom! 🙂
I hope you are doing well?
Enjoy your day!
Evelyn
Tai says
Happy belated birthday Evelyn! I too have learned that the older I get the more outspoken that I have become. I wish I could have done this earlier in life but it’s never to late to learn. I hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Tai,
Thank you!
I agree! It is never too late to learn.
Thanks for stopping by!
Evelyn
Calli says
Hi Evelyn,
Belated Happy Birthday!:) Life begins at 40, as they say. I enjoyed reading all your life’s lessons. I’m pretty sure I’ll be learning more from you in your blog. God bless you and your family. 🙂
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Calli,
Thank you!
I sure hope it does begin at 40. 😉
Thank you for stopping by!
Evelyn
ElleX says
Happy Birthday, Evelyn!!! And many more!!!
Evelyn Parham says
Thanks, Lady! 😉
Carolyn says
Evelyn, you don’t look 40, you barely look a day over 25! Your beautiful spirit keeps you young and full of wisdom. I am blessed to call you friend!
Evelyn Parham says
Hey Ms. Carolyn,
I’ll take that compliment with the quickness. I just hope that when I reach your age that I look good as you do. 😉
Thank you so much!
I’m blessed to call you friend too!
AlexandraFunFit says
Great list. I especially like #34 and #37. I remember turning 40. I also felt really old. But I was glad to be 40, as I had my 2 wonderful boys by then. And your comment about all kinds being special is so true. One of my two is special needs, and both boys need the same amount of love and have their unique talents.Thank you for sharing this lovely list.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Alexandra,
Thank you!
I’m glad I am not alone with feeling old at 40. But like you, I’m glad to be 40 and I especially am thankful to have my daughter.
“All children need the same amount of love and have their unique talents.” I couldn’t agree with you more!!
Thanks for chiming in and sharing. 😉
kathy says
Happy Birthday! The best is yet to come. Like your #1,2 and 3 best of all!!!
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Kathy,
Thank you!
“The best is yet to come.” I’ll take that! 😉
Enjoy your week!
Evelyn
Chioma says
Happy Birthday Evelyn! You do look very good at 40. God bless you more.
Thank you for the 40 lessons.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Chioma,
Thank you!
I’m glad you stopped by!
Evelyn
Miss Lycia says
Happy Birthday, Evelyn! You look absolutely AMAZING! You are a living testimony for a pure, clean, healthy life. I know these tips will influence others as they have inspired me. 🙂
Evelyn Parham says
Hey Miss Lycia,
Thank you! I’m so happy here are inspired. 😉
Have a wonderful week!
Evelyn