No Place Like Home

Transform Your Home Into a Haven

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop

40 Lessons I’ve Learned In 40 Years

December 26, 2015

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life … here are 40 lessons I’ve learned in 40 years!

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

I just turned 40.

Instead of being upset about the milestone, I’m choosing to celebrate it.

Not everyone gets to see their 40th birthday. I’m thankful that I got to spend the day celebrating with my husband, children, parents, and brother – another blessing that not everyone gets to see.

I’ve loved seeing how my favorite people in the whole world chose to show their love:

  • My young son and daughter planned a birthday party for me, complete with a pinata and decorations — all encouraged, purchased and hosted by my parents.
  • My husband cooked an amazing birthday feast of my favorite foods.
  • My best friend showered me with a gift a day for the entire week leading up to my birthday.

As a person who usually plans birthday parties, it felt pretty good to be the object of so much love, generosity and thoughtfulness.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

This is 40!

It does seem weird to consider myself middle aged. Really weird. But when I think of my gray, thinning hair and the fine lines appearing on my face, my age seems appropriate.

At 40, I feel like I know myself pretty well – and I’ve learned plenty about life, especially these 40 lessons:

1. God’s timing is not always your timing. Although you may not always be happy with this, it is what’s best for you.

2. The saying really is true – you are what you eat. Eat a bunch of crummy food and you’ll end up looking and feeling crummy. Eat a bunch of good, real food and you’ll end up looking and feeling good – really good.

3. Sometimes your childhood dreams come true.

4. And sometimes they don’t.

5. Sometimes you will instantly click with someone. You just know you’ll become good friends. (And you will!) But other times, as much as you may try, you just won’t click with other people.

6. You should say “I love you,” every single day.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

7. Waiting can seem like an excruciating process. You will have to wait, though – whether you end up waiting to find a spouse, get pregnant, buy a house, get a new job, or discover test results. Waiting may not seem enjoyable. At all. But get used to it, and try to find some joy – or at least peace and contentment – during your wait.

8. You get what you pay for in a hotel. And a car. 

9. At least once a season, immerse yourself in the weather – and be aware of it. Play in the snow in the winter. Walk in the springtime rain. Watch the stars outside on a warm summer night … or catch fireflies. Crunch through leaves in the fall. Marvel at God’s creation.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

10. You will always have something to clean.

11. Sometimes, people are shy – not stuck up. Try to draw a person out to see if they’re shy, or actually just pretentious.

12. Travel. See some part of the world you haven’t seen before – whether it’s a different street in town, another state, or a different country.

13. If you’re blessed to find bosom friends, thank the Lord. Enjoy every moment you can with your friend. But don’t expect them to stay in your life forever. Chances are, one of you will move. Even so, keep investing in that friendship.

14. Go out of your way to treat others kindly and be the good that you’d like to see in the world. You can make a difference, even in just one other person’s life.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

15. Give of yourself. Give your time. Give your treasure. Give your affections. In giving of yourself, you’ll find it is better to give than receive.

16. You may never acquire a taste for black coffee. Or beer. That’s OK.

17. You could be lonely in singleness. You could also be lonely in marriage. Make a choice not to be. Throw yourself into singleness if you’re single or marriage if you’re married, and enjoy your life as much as you can. (Hint: Enjoyment is made easier when you invest in other people or causes.)

18. Go to church every week. And get involved!

19. You never know what memories will stick around with you for years. Some will be incredibly random, like the pattern of the floor at your first restaurant job, or helping a friend move. Other memories will slip away forever.

20. Similarly, you never know what friends will stick around with you for years. Some friends – even if they seem like the most dear, best friends of all – may leave because of life’s circumstances. (See Lesson #13.) And some friends, you will notice, will unexpectedly stay close to you for decades. Invest heavily in these friendships.

21. Not every piece of clothing you wash should go in the dryer.

22. Your body will feel so much better if you exercise every day. Even if and when you don’t feel like it.

23. Manmade places and things can be interesting and a whole lot of fun, but God’s creations are truly amazing. Appreciate His handiwork as you look at the clouds, watch a sunset, or see His mountains … or valleys … or deserts … or oceans.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

24. Right choices aren’t easy to make, but make them anyway.

25. In the course of 10 years, you can get a lot of gray hairs.

26. There’s one God, and we exist for Him. There’s one Lord, Jesus Christ, and we exist through Him.

27. Talk to children like they’re people who matter. (Because they are!)

28. Come to think of it, talk to any person – regardless of age, race, religion or ability – like they’re people who matter. (Because they are!) Everyone has feelings. And everyone wants to feel significant.

29. A recording will never capture the magic of a live performance. Take the time and money to go to live concerts, theater, and sporting events.

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

30. When dealing with people or businesses or organizations, find ones that are trustworthy and reputable. Stay loyal to these!

31. Not everyone marries the very first person they fall in love with.

32. It can be really easy to focus on what’s wrong. Try not to. Look for what’s right, even when it seems impossible.

33. The first day of snow each year is magical.

34. You don’t have total control of things like finances, health, or what others say or do. (You can affect these things very positively or negatively, though!) You do have control over your character. Because of this, make wise decisions. Make right decisions. Live with integrity. 

35. Sprucing up an outfit is as easy as adding a piece of statement jewelry, scarf, sweater, or cool pair of shoes. It’s simple, yet looks so much more polished. (Speaking of looking polished … just get rid of any frumpy clothes you have. Even if they’re comfy. Put some effort into your outfits every day.)

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

36. Your family will include people with personalities that are very different from your own. You might be annoyed be this, amused, or you might appreciate it. Get used to the personalities, because you’ll likely see them on many holidays and when you need them the most … during heartbreaking times like funerals and joyous times like weddings.

37. Life is too short not to smile. (Make sure you laugh a lot, too!)

38. Enter contests. You never know when you might win.

39. A relationship with Jesus Christ is all that matters. It is the only thing that will bring you peace or hope. Pursue this relationship at all costs.

40. Always celebrate your birthday. You’re alive to see one more year! That calls for a celebration!

Turning 40 can provide a lot of perspective on life ... here are 40 lessons I've learned in 40 years!

Finish this sentence: In my own life, important lessons I’ve learned are …

Disclosure: Purchasing items through links in this post will result in a commission for No Place Like Home. Thank you for supporting this website!

All images courtesy of Pixabay.

Filed Under: Uncategorized 7 Comments

« Respecting Your Husband the Proverbs 31 Way
How I Lost 12 Pounds and 12 Inches in 50 Days {A Weight Loss Plan that Worked for Me} »

About Hilary

Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, homeschooling mama, and writer who believes every Christian woman can transform her home into a haven. She loves laughing, getting handwritten letters, hosting friends and family for dinner, going on date nights with her husband, singing along to the radio while driving her kids around, and relaxing on family vacations at the beach. The author of several eBooks, Hilary loves to encourage her e-mail subscribers!

Lovely comments

  1. Sara says

    December 26, 2015 at 1:20 am

    …call your mom more often than you do. ❤️

    Reply
    • Hilary says

      December 26, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      <3 You bring tears to my eyes ... this really is such an important lesson, Sara. Nubs!

      Reply
  2. Nina Bee says

    December 27, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Number 11 : Thank you for understanding people like me

    Reply
  3. Cassandra Keys says

    April 3, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Love This!!!

    Reply
    • Hilary says

      April 3, 2016 at 3:11 pm

      Thanks! :)

      Reply
  4. Luya R says

    January 17, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    Wow- I just found you on Pinterest and I am really loving your thoughts. I just turned 41 yesterday and I am printing your article and putting it somewhere that I can see it every day!

    Reply
    • Hilary says

      January 17, 2017 at 9:50 pm

      Happy belated birthday, Luya! I’m glad you’ve found my blog! :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Hi! I'm Hilary! Click here to learn more about me ... and No Place Like Home.

I believe every Christian woman can transform her home into a haven. Here's how I can help.

Categories

Recent Haven Posts

When you know your own preferences, your personality will be reflected in your home. Here are 2 important questions to ask when creating a haven for yourself.
Spring is coming! Here are 4 ways to celebrate spring in your home.
Wish you could return to a cozy home every day? Here are 5 simple ways to make it happen!
With so many major problems in the world, it might surprise you that you can use your haven to change the world.
Create a special place just for you and your spouse ... transform your bedroom into a couple's haven.
Having a haven to call your own is important for so many reasons. Here's why you need to create a haven NOW...
Want to add some good books to your reading list this year? Here are 12 books to read in 2018!
Feeling stuck with your life or homemaking this year? Make a change to your life in 2018 with one effective strategy.
As you work through all of these steps to creating a haven, you’ll start to notice a big change in your home and in yourself. You’ll find the freedom and welcome a haven can give.
If you've created a haven, use it to welcome others!
Create a haven this Christmas as a gift for yourself ... and your loved ones.

More Posts

Recent Housekeepking Posts

Feeling like you’re caring for your home all the time, mama? Tired of being the mom who cleans all the time? Here are 2 ways to spend more time with your children and less time with your housework.
Need to simplify your homemaking? You might be surprised at how one factor in your home can be a huge game-changer.
Have you ever thought that your wardrobe choices could affect your home? Here’s how to make your clothing choices help your homemaking!
You might not want to admit it, but the calling  to care for your home is a great thing.
Drowning in clutter? Here’s one way to declutter so you can free yourself – and your home – from the clutches of the clutter monster.
It feels impossible to care for your home when you're physically unable. But if you’re sick or not feeling well or have physical limitations, here are some ways to accomplish something around the house.
Trying different organizational methods and routines was the only way I could figure out what worked well for my family's personalities, our home, and our schedule.
Having trouble when it comes to trying to stay on top of everyday tasks? Here are 3 practical ways to accomplish goals in your home.
Non-Negotiable Daily Chores are a great way to bring consistency, peace and success to your daily homemaking routine.
So how can a homemaker manage her time and balance husband and children and cleaning? How can you have time and energy to get housekeeping done each week when you have children in your home or are working a full-time job?

More Posts

Recent Family Posts

Mama, are you feeling defeated? You are NOT alone. Here are 3 strategies that can help you overcome mommy defeat!
If you want to make your motherhood count – and if you know you need to transform your outlook and approach to mothering – here are 3 steps to take today.
Are your expectations in marriage making a big difference in your contentment and satisfaction?
Being your husband's good thing is a a huge but humbling gift for a wife.
you’re in this for the long haul – when times are good and when times are bad. When your husband is amazing, and when he’s a jerk.
Kindness in your marriage is a huge game-changer. Without it, you and your husband are miserable. With it, your marriage becomes a beautiful thing.
Self-care simply is taking time to do something that refreshes you.
As you set yourself up to thrive this year, think about your weaknesses and strengths in seven different aspects of your life. Then brainstorm some goals!
As my family has transitioned from strangers to friends with our neighbors, I know it’s only because we’ve taken the time to get to know them.
Are you the mom of young children? You'll love these 8 ways to make Christmas special with babies and toddlers!
So how can a homemaker manage her time and balance husband and children and cleaning? How can you have time and energy to get housekeeping done each week when you have children in your home or are working a full-time job?

More Posts

  • Join the Community
  • Contact
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
© 2018 HilaryBernstein.com. Custom site by Moonsteam Design.