33 Lessons Learned

February 28th is my birthday. And I am 33. And if 33 is anything like 32, I will feel beyond fortunate.
What I love about this journey we are all on called life is that there are endless lessons to be learned, and while I revel in finally having had learned some significant ones in my first thirty-three years, I know there are many more ahead just waiting to treat me to what they have to offer.

In September of this past year, I shared with you 26 Things I Know For Sure, but in the six months that have passed since, I have learned a few more lessons that I would like to share.

It’s funny, you know. For quite some time it can seem like nothing is going to work out, as though you are heading up against an insurmountable headwind, and then all of a sudden the winds die down to reveal amazing pearls that up until that point were in the process of being shaped, molded and polished, waiting for just the right moment to reveal themselves. So is life, no?

Below are 33 lessons I have learned:

1. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean I’m supposed to as well.

2. Place your desk to face a window or looking out into the office rather than to face a wall.

3. Amazing things can happen when you least expect them.

4. Respecting yourself and your path will draw others near you who value similar priorities.

5. When time doesn’t matter, you know you’ve found your passion, a good friend, or a partner (as long as the feeling is mutual).

6. DVR saves so much time – commercials? What are those?

7. Dream big.

8. Do the work now, even if the reward doesn’t come when you expected it would because when the opportunity eventually does presents itself, you’ll be able to pounce because you were prepared.

9. Being a doggie mama is a very important responsibility. I don’t know what I’d do without my boys – Norman and Oscar.

10. Becoming organized is a tried and true method toward alleviating stress and being more productive.

11. Letting go is not easy, but in doing so, the weight of that stress being lifting is very liberating.

12. Sometimes mothers do know best.

13. Financial security and being able to stand on your own two feet fiscally is a very empowering feeling.

14. Yes, anything is possible!

15. Walking every day is a simple and an effective form of exercise if adhered to consistently.

16. A decadent chocolate truffle before bed is a fabulous treat.

17. Feeling confident in the clothes you are wearing is a magnet for opportunities and respect if handled correctly.

18. Creating a sanctuary for yourself – whether it is an office or room in your home, or choosing to live by yourself – is a very necessary thing in order to remain balanced and focused.

19. Consignment clothes shopping – fabulous treasures await your discovery!

20. A good night sleep is priceless medicine.

21. A good blow-out is a simple way to treat yourself.

22. Always remain curious – buy that book, take that tour, watch that movie, hop on that plane.

23. Real life can be better than fairy tales . . . trust me.

24. Good friends are rare . . . nurture them, respect them, but don’t smother them.

25. Sequin tops . . . a great way to shine during the day and into the evening.

26. Create rituals for yourself and with those you love spending time with. Protect them and revel in those special moments.

27. Boundaries. Know where yours are and demand that others respect them.

28. Giving is so much better than receiving.

29. If it’s meant to be and you keep doing what needs to be done, it will find a way.

30. Less television is okay, but watching it to relax is okay too.

31. The coldest nights often come before the most beautiful spring sunrises.

32. Lead by example. Less talk. More doing.

33. It’s the every day moments when something is done “just because” that often are the most memorable.

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