I’m Turning 38-Years-Old & 38 Things I’ve Learned Along the Way
This weekend, I’m turning 38.
Thirty-eight.
Let’s put that into perspective.
That’s two years from 40…
…12 years from 50…
…and a quarter of the way to hot flashes, gray hair, and saggy boobs.
(Oh, wait–I’ve already got the saggy boobs. I’ve nursed three babies. Riiiighht.)
Thank God I’ve made it this far. Some people aren’t so lucky.
So as I sidle up to 38, I wanted to reflect on 38 things I have learned along the way–things that have come from this teacher called life.
I can only imagine what more wisdom shall be bestowed upon me in the next 38 years…!
38 Things I Have Learned in My 38 Years
- Figuring out what you want to do when you grow up is as easy as remembering what you loved when you were a kid.
- Stay friends with at least a couple people from your childhood so that you always remember where you came from.
- Exploring a new city without anywhere to be or anything to do is the ultimate freedom.
- Families should get together more often than just weddings and funerals.
- Even if you do your best, sometimes it’s not good enough. You just have to try something different. Or work smarter. Or both.
- Your worse feature sometimes becomes your best asset (can we say Jennifer Grey Dirty Dancing??). Learn to love it.
- How you carry yourself and how others perceive you will matter more than the words coming out of your mouth.
- Write letters to the important people in your life, at least once. They’ll appreciate it more than an email (and they’ll save it).
- You can’t eat the same way you did when you were 21. You just can’t. (sob, sob)
- Sometimes you don’t discover your best talents until later in life.
- Never be afraid to leave the familiar and go somewhere new. Even if by yourself. You will survive.
- Just because something makes you nervous doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t do it.
- Everyone has a purpose in life (mine are to create, inspire, and teach).
- The older you get, the less you care about the way you look and care more about being comfortable, even if you’re wearing Mom jeans and Sketchers.
- Not every moment of parenthood is warm and fuzzy. Sometimes you’ll wish for that 1-bedroom condo.
- Your children are the only people that think you’re a rockstar (at least until they learn you’re really not that cool).
- Take lots of pictures! When memories fade, you’ll have proof they really happened.
- You won’t ever be able to get on the swings or rollercoasters again without feeling queasy (how did we do that at age 10?!?!).
- You’ll never believe that your best friend from high school is now a grandmother.
- Say “yes” when a friend invites you somewhere unexpected. You’ll have the best time and meet new people.
- Learn to love your house. You’ve got a roof over your head, for Godsake.
- If you keep staring at a person when they stop talking, they’ll start talking again. It’s very unnerving.
- Losing a job is life’s way of kicking you in the butt to move forward.
- Never be afraid to talk to other people. You never know what you’ll learn from them.
- Sunshine and laughter are the best anti-depressants. Oh, and Netflix. Definitely Netflix.
- You speak everything into existence.
- Wake up early before everyone is awake and work on your most important tasks first because the day will eventually get in your way.
- Everyone loves to talk about themselves more than other people.
- Never stop learning. The exciting part of life is learning new hobbies and interests.
- The skinny kids from high school grow up to be normal weight at 40. The normal weight kids will get fat. Would have been good to know this as the skinny, quiet, unpopular senior.
- Start a retirement fund before you even know what a retirement fund is. Invest in riskier stocks the more time you’ve got on your side.
- It costs a lot less to decorate a house than you think. One word: thrift stores.
- Stick with your spouse even if you want to kill them sometimes. It’s better than coming upstairs to a cold bed.
- Take a family vacation at least once a year, even if it’s only 2 hours away.
- Do what you’re passionate about for long hours. Even when Dream Killers call you crazy.
- Say thank you to everyone. Everyone should be appreciated.
- Going to college is about the experience of transitioning away from home, not about picking a life-long career.
- Life is like a roll of toilet paper: the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.
I’d love to know what are the things that you have learned in all of your years, too?
Leave a comment below and share your truths with all of us!
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Happy 38th! I wish I was as smart and creative as you at that age. I enjoy those words of wisdom you shared.
The best is yet to come, Serena!
Happy Birthday Serena!!!
I think my best lesson would be that life is short, don’t waste it. Being thankful for what you have chases away sadness. Our babies grow up fast, spend as much quality time with them as you can and enjoy every bit of the noise because someday, you will long for that laughter to fill your house again. Do a random act of kindness whenever you can, it will bless you both.
Happy birthday!
Things I’ve learned in my almost 67 years on the planet:
1- If your birthday falls on a weekend, it’s perfectly legit to spend the entire weekend celebrating YOU!
2- Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.
3- The more time you spend with nature, the happier you will be.
4- Life is short but it’s wide. (Thank you, Naomi Judd.)
5- Don’t smoke. No good will come from it.
6- There is always something to be grateful for.
7- Don’t let others determine your mood.
P.S. Serena’s #18 is true. I found that out at age 50.
Happy Birthday 2 U, Happy Birthday 2 U, Happy Birthday Dear Serena, Happy Birthday 2 U! And many more!
Happy birthday, Serena! Loved the list of wisdom! All of it true – I’m over 50 and I can say that! Lol Have a great day!
Sagittarians rule. My parents are November 25&26 and mine is next week on the 17th.we may have a lot going
On at the same time but our heart is in the place.
I like your ideas they are great. I didn’t learn about life until I was about 22. I lived under the words that basically said your thoughts are not important and just do as we say. Then I made a friend who showed me that I had talent and intelligence and the right to use both. It took awhile but I began my journey and it has never ended.
I learned that I could add a lot to life and learn from life as well. I learned who I needed in my life and who shouldn’t have been in my life. I got involved in so many things though that now that I am 62 I have stopped working with other people and am now taking care of me.
I volunteered in a youth group for years and although it was great to teach the kids a lot the worst was the put downs from parents, to the point I vowed never to be that kind of parent myself. I have never been that kind of parent and am proud of who I am now.
I was very bitter for a long time but I now put my efforts into my family and my hobbies and helping out a dog rescue in northern BC and that is so fulfilling.
So my outlook is take care of yourself and your immediate family first, do the things you like to do second and remember what people think of you is none of your business.
Happy Birthday, Serena. Looking forward to seeing you with straight hair.
Happy birthday Serena. I hope it is as special as you.
Things I have learned.
Age is just a number.
If you feel old you are old.
The alternative to a birthday is not nearly as nice.
I’m sure there are more, just can’ think of them off hand.
Serena,
Your list is so thought provoking, especially since I”m 20 years older than you….
I enjoyed reading your thoughts, you’re wise beyond your years my friend!
Happy Birthday to you, do something fun for yourself–you deserve it!
gail
Happy Birthday, Serena!
That’s an impressive list. I’m happy to report that I embrace, endorse and/or smiled at all of them.
I met and married my husband at 35, turned 36 on our honeymoon, had our first son at 37 and our second son at 40. I’m a late bloomer.
I too was a shy, tall, skinny high school senior, and firmly believe that we come into our own when we are ready. Some lessons are harder than others, but they all add up to what we are today. I’m heavier, but happier and certainly wiser. Remember when you were 21 and you knew it all? 😉
I would add that traveling and volunteering open you up to the world. It helps to see how other people live and increases empathy and understanding.
Breathing really does calm your nerves.
Gardening brings you closer to the earth. You’ll find all sorts of gifts with your hands in the soil. It can even help depression.
Never underestimate the restorative powers of a hot bath and a good night’s sleep.
Alys, those are wonderful! Great life lessons you learned! And you know something? Even though you were a late bloomer, it sounds like you knew what you wanted and wasted no time getting there as soon as Mr. Right came along! 🙂 And oh yes…..a good night’s sleep!!
Love those! Thank you for sharing!
P.S. I have decided that I’ll celebrate today, even though my birthday is Sunday. I’m going to a salon and get my hair professionally straightened! And the good news is that I think it only costs $35. WOO HOO! 🙂
Have a great weekend!