Holidays always make me reflective, whether it be the New Year and resolutions or the 4th of July and recognition of the many freedoms I enjoy as an American woman. But, let’s face it—sometimes we get caught up in the doom and gloom of life. Often holidays are the only time I get to take a real pause (outside of menopause) in life, especially these days between shuttling around two crazy kids, working and everything else in between.
As we head into the holiday weekend, I was able to finish up work early today and even a bigger feat—dodged the kids this afternoon. After a blissful nap, I cuddled up on the couch to write and began reflecting on how happy I am these days. And–which is super cool–how much happier I become as I age. I didn’t call that in my 30’s! I chalk most of it up to maturing and a crap-load of lessons learned.
Often I’m asked about how I’ve gotten to this good place in my life and I thought I’d share my top 15 words of wisdom to happiness (as of this afternoon’s couch cuddle session). Not even perimenopause can get me down when I stay true to these words:
- Be Nice! And, then Be Nicer!!
- Accept the changes in your body and mind as you get older.
- Love all the stages of your life and fear none, because they are all magical.
- Learn to live in the moment. If you master this when you are young, it will help as you age.
- Virginia Wolff was right—all a woman really needs is a room of her own and $500.
- Look for the good in every life experience.
- Age will happen whether you’re afraid of it or not, so get living!
- Keep a close circle of female friends, it’s essential.
- Value your family. They will be there when others are not.
- Tell your partner, friends and family that you love them every single day.
- Focus on positive aging instead of anti-aging.
- Laugh! And, then laugh more!!
- Never stop learning and enhancing yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.
- Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old to do anything! Or too young for that matter.
- Give love freely and unconditionally.
This holiday weekend, take a few moments to make a happiness list of your own. One of things that happened as I compiled my list for today’s post…I felt even luckier that I did before I started. Positivity tends to have that affect. After you finish your list, move directly to enjoying a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend!
FREEDOM!!!
Steph
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