40 Life Changing Lessons: My 40 Year Journey of Growth and Grace
Recently, I celebrated a milestone - my 40th birthday! (That was hard to write the first time, but it’s getting easier.) As I have come to embrace the wisdom of the past four decades, I couldn't help but reflect on the bountiful and beautiful lessons that have shaped who I am today…
- wife, mom, child of God, and Heart and Home Coach for women (plus many more roles that I hold dearly).
I would love to write a book about all that I’ve learned about overcoming feelings of overwhelm and living with simplicity, purpose, and joy. (But that’ll have to wait until another time.)
Instead, here are the 40 life lessons I've learned (in no particular order), each one a stepping stone from my journey of growth and grace.
1. Micro habits matter.
2. Clutter comes with a cost.
3. Fill up your cup, too, (it's not selfish).
4. Healthy boundaries are necessary.
5. Don't settle for anything less than what God has declared over your life.
6. Gratitude doesn't just happen (we need to invite it into our lives.)
7. It's okay to slow down and do less.
8. Trust in God's goodness and know that even when our plans fail, he doesn't.
9. Every day is a fresh start.
10. True joy isn't found in our circumstances, but it's from Jesus, His love, and what he did on the cross (nothing can take it away).
11. What you focus on will grow.
12. Imperfect progress is still progress.
13. When our thoughts and beliefs are built on the firm foundation of God's word, it doesn't matter what life throws at us.
14. Pushing yourself too hard can do more harm than good.
15. Your kids don't want a perfect mom, but a real and honest mom.
16. Seek nature over social media (it's more beautiful).
17. God sees you and knows the whispers of your heart.
18. Your story isn't over yet. Trust God, He is working it all out.
19. Waiting seasons are an opportunity to grow our faith and trust in God's goodness.
20. It's not about what the goal is, but who you are becoming.
21. Be kind to yourself.
22. We can influence those around us with what we say and do.
23. Mom guilt is real, but so is forgiveness.
24. Nothing is too big for our God to handle.
25. It's ok to not be ok.
26. Done is better than perfect.
27. Surround yourself with people who feel like sunshine.
28. What we feed our minds, hearts, and souls will affect how we live, and who we become.
29. 5 minutes a day makes a difference.
30. You grow when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone.
31. God can purposefully use the failures of your past for your good and his glory.
32. Your purpose is not a one-stop destination (it’s in the journey).
33. Don’t overthink it - try it out and make changes when needed.
34. Forgiveness is healing not just for the other person, but for ourselves as well.
35. Take a nap when you need to.
36. Hold grace for yourself and others.
37. It's okay to let some things go so that the most meaningful things can shine bright.
38. Our kids are not going to remember the stuff or what we did, but the environment we created.
39. The world’s labels limit you, while God’s labels liberate you.
40. Focus on only what you can control in the moment (even if it’s that pile of laundry on your couch or the dishes in your sink) and surrender the rest to God.
I can't begin to describe how deeply grateful I am for the journey that I've walked (yes, even the moments when I stumbled, scraped my knees, and found myself covered in mud).
If everything I've experienced and learned has equipped me to support you, Beautiful-Hearted Friend, in reclaiming your life with joy and freedom, then it was all worth it.
What if you made a small, brave choice that started you along a beautiful journey, from chaos to calm, from clutter to clarity, from guilt to grace, and from overwhelmed to overjoyed?
And if you decide to take the next small step and learn how I can help you.
...You're making one small decision to move forward, to grow with intention, grace, and ease.
What if your heart, your relationships, your home, and your life could look wonderfully different, in the very best of ways?
I'm not here to pressure you - that's not my style.
But to simply and gently remind you of a few more lessons that have helped me to break the cycle of overwhelm.
Nothing changes if nothing changes,
Fear is a liar,
and you are worth investing in.
Having a harmonious environment, both in your heart and home, is possible.
You are not alone.
Learn more about how I can help you become the woman who God created you to be - faithfully alive and free in your heart and home.
Always cheering you on!
With blessings and joy,
PS: Are you ready to take small intentional steps with big results to help you overcome overwhelm? Click on the link to receive my FREE mini-guide. This is the year to break the cycle!
