55 Life Lessons from my 55 Years of Life

55 Life Lessons on my birthday week!

This week I turned 55 and (gulp!) that still sounds weird for me to hear!

I decided this would be a good time to do some reflection, and share some of the LIFE LESSONS from my time on earth. These are a combination of heartfelt, practical, and funny. I hope you enjoy!

At the bottom I’d LOVE for you to comment and tell me if any of my “lessons” especially resonated with you, or you might want to share a lesson or two of your own! I think the comment section alone could be a great collection of wisdom and fun!

1. Doing things God’s way really is always every time the best way.
2. Our daily life experience is deeply impacted by the story we tell ourselves.
3. Most days marriage is what you make of it. (see #1 and #2 👆🏼)
4. We need many types of friends in our adult years: Don’t worry about finding one who fits every category.
5. Hugging your kids for a slow count back from ten is scientifically proven to be good for them. And us.
6. Comparison is useless. If you could walk in someone else’s shoes for a day you’d almost undoubtedly go back to your own.
7. Whether or not to cut bangs probably didn’t need to consume so much of my energy.
8. Starting an argument at bedtime is never a good idea.
9. Getting free from food/weight issues changed my life. I’m still grateful daily.
10. Being a fun mom turns out to really matter. Laugh with the kids.
11. Exercise is the most powerful mood booster.
12. In the end it’s better to just not sign up for the “free” one-week trial.
13. Having extended family who love you and your kids is a massive gift.
14. Next to giving my life to Jesus, marrying a godly man was the best choice I have made.
15. Other qualities that matter much more than looks or charm: someone who is hardworking, loyal, self-controlled, wise, and thoughtful.
16. Training kids to respect and obey their parents is a thousand times easier when they are young. Front-load parenting for the win.
17. It’s ok to not be good at everything. Cheer for those who are good at things you aren’t.
18. Doing a little laundry every day seems to work out best.
19. Seeking help for my anger was one of the most important things I’ve done as a Mom.
20. If your spouse isn’t naturally prone to humor, you can be the funny one and you’ll bring out your spouse’s humor too.
21. A good cup of coffee in the morning is something I’ll never take for granted.
22. You can get better at the things you don’t think you are good at. But it does get harder as you get older so don’t wait too long.
23. Doing sports as a family (or at least being active!) is such a fun way to bond!
24. You won’t realize the importance of dental care until later. Take care of your teeth.
25. Also: It turns out tanning beds and sun bathing with baby oil were never good ideas.
26. Most challenging parenting issues are solved by getting kids out in fresh air.
27. Most challenging personal issues are solved by getting yourself out in fresh air.
28. Kids don’t need all the stuff. Give them adventures!
29. Bad theology is dangerous. Know God’s Word so you can spot it.
30. It’s better to just stop for gas than see how accurate your “empty” range really is.
31. You can do many things well but not all at once. Be patient with your life.
32. Kids are actually happier when they do hard things.
33. You will forget to teach your kids some things, and it’s ok, they’ll pick it up somewhere else.
34. Family dinners are worth the effort.
35. The more you learn about God and His Word the more you want to learn.
36. You will never regret talking to your kids about every important topic.
37. You don’t have to talk to everyone else about every important topic.
38. I didn’t appreciate it enough when sleeping all night was normal.
39. Most health trends will come and go, and then come back again with another name.
40. Spending time with old people is good for them and for you.
41. Family text threads are a surprising gift of our modern world.
42. I don’t care how fit you are things really start to change in your 50’s; don’t be caught off guard.
43. It’s best not to take yourself too seriously. If you knew how seldom others thought about you, you’d relax a lot more.
44. Every day is a chance to join God in His work.
45. A coffee date with a trusted friend can be worth months of therapy.
46. Expiration dates on food are often just a suggestion.
47. Expiration dates on food are sometimes for good reason.
48. One of the hardest things I’ve experienced is a house full of loud and active boys.
49. One of the things I miss the most is a house full of loud and active boys.
50. Regular dates are important; Dates can look like: coffee with the sunrise, evening walks, running errands, romantic dinners, or connecting over the news or a late-night show. Just connect!
51. Most people, in fact, are not interested in your birth stories.
52. It turns out that food is often what your teenager really needs most.
53. Some things are worth the price: good jeans, running shoes, air conditioning, and an occasional vacation.
54. The best reward for the work of parenting is good friendships with adult children!
55. Only 3 things remain for eternity: God, His Word, and people. Make sure those things occupy your time and energy.

Ok, Friends! Did any of those speak to you right now!? The truth is, I thought it would be hard to come up with 55, but in the end I had to cut a bunch! I truly enjoyed writing these!

Now it’s your turn! Would you leave a comment and share a life lesson of your own? Or let me know if any of mine were relatable, encouraging, or made you laugh.

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Sending love and hugs!
Monica