65 Lessons I Learned in 65 Years

"Time waits for no one"

I turned 65 today, and I feel terrific.  I thank God for my family, for good health, and for giving me so many blessings in my 6.5 decades so far.  I am blessed with amazing sons, a smart, fabulous granddaughter, and three handsome grandsons.

As I sit here looking out over the lake near my home, I reflect on the lessons I have learned.  I decided to document them and share them here with you.

1.       Every day is a new day.  I wake up every morning, plant my feet on the ground, and thank God for life, for health, for happiness, for giving me another day.  Make the most of every single day.  Appreciate the rise of the sun, and the setting of the sun – and be thankful for everything you have – every day give thanks

2.    I am stronger than I give myself credit for – I have learned to trust my intuition, and my sixth sense never fails me.

3.    Always be in a state of learning.

4.    It is better to give than to receive.

5.    Kindness to others is a gift.  It costs you nothing, plus it brings you immense happiness

6.    Always be willing to learn from others.  Both young and old have lots to teach us.

7.    I’ve learned to love books more and more.  Read everything.

8.    Listen well.  I have learned the art of truly listening to others.

9.    To do what I love.

10.  Control stress and keep it to a minimum.  You will live longer.

11.  I have learned how to be my own doctor.  I research everything.  I look for alternative healing first.  There is a time and place for taking medication.

12.  Finding time to mentor a younger person has been immensely rewarding, plus I have learned so much from the younger generation.

13.  I have learned that family is everything.

14.  I have learned to love, give love, and receive love.

15.  True friends are few and life is so short.  Cherish them now while they are here.

16.  Not to take things for granted.

17.  I have learned there is a time to cry, a time to play, and a time to dance – in everything there is a season and a reason.

18.  I have learned to read the science, seek the truth, and form my own opinions.

19.  I am proud of the fact, that I taught myself how to use many software and online programs without going to school. 

20.  I learned how to cook healthy foods.  My passion now is Mediterranean foods.

21.  Learning another language is so rewarding and opens you up to so many unique cultures and the world.

22.  There is more to life than where you live.  I have learned to travel the world, meet new people, and new cultures, and try new things.

23.  I learned how to be a single mother.  Through the tough times and good times, I put my children first.

24.  I learned how to be a grandmother.  I learned I need to step back and let my sons be the head of their own families.  I learned that I am the grandmother, not the parent.  I learned to respect the space my son created so he can raise his own family his way.  I learned to just be a grandmother.

25.  Age is only a number. 

26.  Learned how to pray and study the Bible like never before.  What a phenomenal book the Bible is, and how powerful is prayer – every day the Almighty God hears the names of my children, grandchildren, and the whole family.

27.  The immense pleasure of growing a garden, my own vegetables.  I really wish they taught this in school, because it’s so rewarding to go out into a garden you’ve planted and pick tomatoes, and herbs.  From seeds to plate has been a joy indeed.

28.  I learned the benefit of walking every day and strength training the body– the benefits are incalculable.

29.  Gossiping is so wrong – even the bible says so.

30.  Be willing to compromise.

31.  Getting away and spending time alone is good.  Rediscover yourself. 

32.  I’ve learned to think before I speak.

33.  I’ve learned to love myself just as I am.  I smile at myself in the mirror every morning, and say good morning beautiful, how are you going to make a difference in the world today?

34.  To treat myself how I want to be treated – I send myself flowers and I send others flowers once in a while just because.

35.  Believe in yourself, in your abilities, in the power of you.  Believe that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and focus.

36.  Be wise, don’t waste your life, and really learn from those who have gone before you.

37.  Friendship with just a few people is more important than friendship with hundreds

38.  Show compassion, understanding, and kindness to those who wish you harm – remember you get more results with honey.

39.  The power of a simple compliment to others, and how it can make someone’s day.  Learn the power of your words – they are powerful, and they can build someone up.

40.  To never let anyone steal your dreams -give the dream stealers a swift kick in the behind and go live your life to the fullest – don’t stop living life because of someone else.

41.  I’ve learned the art of multiple streams of income

42.  Never let anyone steal my joy

43.  Everyone’s journey in life is different, so don’t compare yourself to others, because you have no idea what is happening in their lives.

44.  Learned to make peace with the hurts in your life – learn to forgive.

45.  Stop and smell the roses – see the beauty in everything around you.

46.  Love the changing phases of your body as you grow older – don’t like something, change it. However, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

47.  Learn not to let fear control you.  There is a solution to every problem, you just have to find it.

48.  Learn to be interested in other people’s stories – learn to really listen to them – it’s an art and will serve you well

49.  Every year try something new.  Canoeing, climbing a mountain, taking a trip by yourself, and/or learning sign language.

50.  Get moving, moving, and moving.  Sitting still is not an option – learn to dance, run, and go on long walks – whatever you do keep active.

51.  Do things you’ve never done before – always have a widespread curiosity about life. 

52.  I will never retire – retire from what – I will always be doing something, creating something.

53.  Talking to young ones is a balm to the spirit.  They keep you feeling young and inspired.

54.  Don’t ever make someone feel insignificant, never bully people, and always respect everyone no matter who they are, or what they are doing.

55.  Read, everything.  Books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc.  So much to learn.

56.  My mind needs as much love and care as my body.

57.  I’ve learned that it’s okay to accept help from others – because sometimes you just cannot do it alone.

58.  Get to know your neighbor – the Bible says to love your neighbor, I am surprised how many people never talk to their neighbors.

59.  Have friends of all backgrounds. Ages and gender – you can learn so much from others.

60.  Never stop asking questions – think of everyone you meet as a teacher.  Everyone knows something you don’t know.

61.  No matter your age, now is the time to do that thing you always wanted to do.

62.  Writing a journal is a balm to the spirit – even if you only write in it once a week/month – write notes to yourself.

63.  Less internet, less scrolling social media.

64.  Smile at a stranger in passing for no reason – I bless everyone who passes me and wish them love, healing, happiness

65.  Revel in the moments, and enjoy the rhythmic peaks and valleys.