Is Fifty Really Nifty? 

Folks, I’ve got a big one this month (okay…today). Yes, the big 5-0. My Golden Jubilee! A half century of living. I can hardly believe it. Parts of me only feel 30. Others, well, they look and feel much much older! 

When I look back over the past decades, I do believe I’ve learned a thing or two…or fifty. Does age really bring wisdom? I think so. In honor of my Golden Jubilee Year, I thought I’d share some nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up through the decades with you. Some are my own observations from personal life experiences. Others came through advice from trusted mentors, colleagues, family members and friends. They are in no particular order and cover many aspects of life—business, relationships, wellness, and faith. 

50 things I’ve learned in 50 years

1. If you’re really bad at bowling, don’t bowl on a first date.

2. The world is full of blue sky thinkers, but it’s the folks who make those ideas actually come to life who change the world.

3. No matter how old you get, beets still taste like dirt.

4. Be a lifetime learner. In order to grow and stay relevant, you will constantly have to learn, unlearn and relearn. 

5. Dress for the job you want.

6. Great leaders don’t always have the answers, but they do have great questions.

7. Celebrate the good stuff. Every little win is worth celebrating. Pop open the bubbly on a Tuesday! You are worth it.

8. Take advantage of your mistakes, they will teach you some of your most valuable life lessons.

9. It’s okay to cry. In fact, my mother-in-law says a good, ugly cry can be cleansing. (Just remember to use a Kleenex, not your sleeve.)

10. Work-life balance is a myth. Shoot for work-life harmony!

11. Manners matter. Say please and thank you.

12. Send snail mail. A heartfelt, hand-written card is sure to make someone’s day.

13. Stop comparing yourself to others. Your greatest competitor is YOU.

14. Follow up. Lots of people say they will, but few actually do it. Be the exception and do it.

15. Life is about give and take. Make sure you are a giver, not just a taker.

16. The foundation for good business is relationships. Develop relationships before you need them. 

17. Not everything that can be counted counts. And not everything that counts can be counted. 

18. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. 

19. Appreciate good eyesight. After 40, it starts to go downhill. Invest in really cute glasses. 

20. Sometimes no response is a response.

21. Grammar is important. Especially on job applications. Know the difference between there, their and they’re. 

22. It’s okay to respectfully stand up for what you believe in. But remember, you don’t have to make every opinion you have an “issue” to defend.

23. Give grace to others AND to yourself. 

24. Your value is not defined by the number on a scale. 

25. Real life can sometimes feel like fiction. A global pandemic isn’t just something that happens in the movies. 

26. Overwhelmed? Break your tasks down into bite-sized pieces. After all, how do you eat an elephant?  (One bite at a time!)

27. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

28. Wash your hands. A lot. Use soap. Sing the “Alphabet Song” when you do to make sure you wash them long enough.

29. The best things in life aren’t things. 

30. Politics can bring out ugliness in people. Don’t be one of those ugly people. 

31. Words have power. Choose your words carefully.

32. Nobody can actually fold a fitted sheet. It’s okay. Just let it go.

33. Not everybody will get you. Not everybody will support your endeavors. Not everybody will respect your boundaries. It is okay to bless and release. 

34. Sometimes the coolest place to travel is in your own back yard. 

35. Don’t underestimate the power of trust. Trust is built and maintained by many small actions over time.

36. Worrying is like a rocking chair. It get’s you nowhere.

37. You may be criticized no matter what you do (or don’t do), so do your thing well and with your head held high.

38. That little emoji that looks like chocolate ice cream with eyeballs is actually the poop emoji.

39. Set goals. And remember baby steps forward are still steps in the right direction. 

40. You cannot change other people. You can change how you respond to people. 

41. It doesn’t cost anything to be clean. Make your bed every day.

42. Keep a gratitude prayer journal. Jot down 3 things every day that you are grateful for and thank God for these things. 

43. Cleaning the house while the children are growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing. 

44. Make time to be still. Remember we are human beings, not human doings. 

45. Assume positive intent from others. Most people don’t intend to harm or offend.

46. You have a happier house when you dance in the kitchen.

47. Less judgement. More observation. 

48. Success takes time. Be patient and do the work.

49. God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. 

50. Smile, be gracious, be kind, and be humble.

 

“One should never trust a woman who tells one her real age. A woman who would tell one that would tell one anything.”

― Oscar Wilde