36 in 36
I’m 36 today. Not old, not young—just firmly in the “should really know better by now” phase of life. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve picked up a few things along the way. Some are deep. Some are dumb. All of them are true. At least to me. In no particular order, here are 36 lessons I’ve learned in my 36 years.
The most important decision you’ll make in life is who you choose for a spouse. Choose wisely.
Most of my wins come from outlasting the storm, not outshining the competition.
Sometimes when you ask God for flowers, He gives you rain. Learning to see that as a spectacular gift changes everything.
Every exceptional person I know is dangerously consistent.
Changing how you see people, changes people.
Sometimes you get the assignment you want and sometimes you get the assignment you need.
Make friends with people who get mad at you when they see you’re not living up to your potential.
I’ve never been disliked by someone that I wanted to trade places with.
Sometimes you’re not tall enough to ride the ride. And, as it turns out, there’s a legitimate reason for that rule.
Champions aren’t built on the days they feel motivated, but on the days they feel like quitting.
Working out sucks. I don’t believe that anyone actually likes it.
Your biggest opportunities come disguised as problems. Challenges are invitations to grow.
Fear is “What if.” Faith is “Even If.”
Your business might be small but the fact that you started something, stayed consistent during hard times, and created employment for yourself (and others) is extraordinary.
Learning is not reserved for the young, it’s reserved for the willing.
You become excellent by repeating the same successful actions over and over again without losing enthusiasm.
The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Be patient and keep watering.
You’re raising gentlemen and that’s an incredible responsibility. Don’t mess it up.
In many situations, the smartest thing to do is not react.
I think the universe knew that I would be too powerful if I could do math.
Success doesn’t go to the person who had the best idea; it goes to the person who actually did something about it.
You do have to remind your kids to shower, brush their teeth and put deodorant on their body every single day. They will always act as if this is brand new information. You cannot change that boys are gross but you can avoid smelling their BO.
Be good. Have fun. Do your best.
Your siblings (and cousins) are the only people who will know you your entire life. Make time and space for them and don’t forget they are who you practiced unconditional love on first.
Never miss an opportunity to tell your kids that you’re proud of them.
Say “yes” more often. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
God prepared me and so I am prepared.
There’s very little that a long hug from my husband can’t fix.
My parents built a nest that was solid enough to launch from but soft enough to return to. That’s the goal.
You won’t get what you don’t ask for.
You aren’t keeping tally of other people’s mistakes- no one else is keeping tally of yours.
Always take the trip. And almost always take the kids with you.
Following through on your commitment is a non-negotiable.
It’s not always about getting it right, but it is always about getting it going.
Do hard things. And don’t complain about it. Prove to yourself that you can do it.
Ordering a bottle of the house wine in Italy is never a bad decision. But you better make it two bottles just to be safe.