This is 40…

Today is my 40th birthday!! I love celebrating my birthday and look forward to it every year. I love growing older and wiser. I love discovering more about who I am and tapping into my potential. As I’ve aged, I’ve become more committed to being and doing my best with this one crazy life I’ve been given. Aging is a privilege denied to many; so I welcome and embrace it. Life’s been pretty good to me and I am excited to have lived another decade and god willing, will be here for many more.

Dan asked me the other day if I had achieved what I had thought I would by this time in my life. And to be honest, I’ve done so much more. I’ve built a family and have 4 beautiful fur babies, bought a beautiful home, created several businesses, a school, I’ve ran the world, visited some of the wonders of the world, explored, adventured, raced…. It’s been pretty incredible. I still have more to do, learn and discover, and look forward to those opportunities.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot and done a lot. I’ve laughed, loved, and succeeded but also tried, fallen, failed, and cried. I’ve made mistakes but have also picked myself back up and changed my life. I’ve learned a lot along the way and continuously look for opportunities to grow.

As I sit here and reflect on the last 40 years, there are definitely a few things that I would share with my younger self about what I’ve learned.

Here are some of my insights on life, in no particular order…

1. Love yourself. Spend less time hating who you are and instead embrace your unique differences.

2. Love your parents, regardless of how tough the relationship may be at times. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.

3. Don’t be afraid to stand out or go against the grain. The world needs more of that.

4. Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself every day.

5. Tell the people in your life you love them.

6. Your real friends will love and accept you for who you are not what you have.

7. The amount of likes you get on social media doesn’t matter.

8. Stop comparing yourself to others. You are on your own unique path.

9. Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not really failing unless you don’t try.

10. Be present. The past is gone and the future is unknown. All you have is now.

11. Take care of yourself because your health is the most important thing.

12. Exercise and move your body every day.

13. Get plenty of sleep.

14. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first.

15. Don’t say yes if you want to say no.

16. Stop wishing your life away.

17. Chase your dreams.

18. Don’t just set goals, make tangible plans to achieve them.

19. Stop overthinking.

20. Guilt is a wasted emotion. Move on.

21. Have no regrets.

22. Find the silver lining.

23. Trust the universe, it has your back.

24. Stop making excuses.

25. Everyone is fighting an unseen battle. Be kind.

26. Less is more.

27. Dogs are the best and show us what true unconditional love is.

28. It’s important to give back and help others.

29. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.

30. You can do anything, but you can’t do it all at once.

31. Over prepare and over deliver.

32. Communication is key. Life is about listening, talking, and connecting.

33. It’s never too late to change or do something new.

34. Your vibe attracts your tribe.

35. Yoga can save your life.

36. You can do anything you put your mind to.

37. Running is a great way to see the world.

38. Stop apologizing for who you are.

39. Life is short. The time is NOW!

40. Age is only a number. You’re only as old as you feel.

Get up and get moving! What are you waiting for? There’s a whole world out there waiting for you!

Happy 40th Birthday to Me!