How are these last August days treating you?
I just made it to my home in Wisconsin after several weeks in Maryland and Virginia. It is less hot here, so I’m going to make every bit of summer count.
Also, I thought it would be fun to write a list of lessons learned at 35.
Because that is how old I am, and I have learned quite a few things!
SO many that I decided I would send you part of the list now, and part next week.
Sound interesting? Then keep reading!
By the way, my bday fundraiser has been AMAZING and my heart is bursting because we raised almost $200 in the past week.
Thank you so much!!
Missed that announcement? Go here to read more about the emergency fundraiser to help Ariefa, the director of Her Future Foundation.
It’s a nonprofit dedicated to girl empowerment and safety from FGM in Sierra Leone.
OK now here comes the list.
In no particular order other than this is how my mind works!
I wrote most of this out in a Denny’s in Montana waiting for an omelet. It was a pit stop during the 15-hour ride home this weekend. 😀
35 Lessons from 35
PART 1
1. Writing is medicine. Do it daily even a sentence.
2. It makes it obvious what I feel and then I take action on that rather than powering through.
3. Take time to pause and BE not just do.
4. There is no point where I will be more enough as a person because of my accomplishments. Trying to do that is never a good thing.
5. Dictate ideas and journal entries when you have idea on the go
6. Reviewing your life weekly or at least monthly means you remember what you learn better.
7. Don’t undervalue your skills.
8. Education pays off your whole life. The investment is worth it.
9. No one has a magic bullet to success. Most important, if you are going to get help or hire a coach, ask if someone can help you take actions you will procrastinate; provide a needed viewpoint or skills or teach you things; help you get clear on what success means for you; or all of the above. If yes, then that helper may actually be helpful.
10. Collaboration is worth the complications when the mood strikes.
11. ‘No’ is a good word to exercise.
12. So is the phrase, ‘let me think about it.’
13. When people tell you who they are with their actions, believe them. It matters so much more than words.
14. An apology doesn’t always fix something. Sometimes we make mistakes with a person that can’t be undone, but we can still learn from it.
15. Communication really is the key to a good relationship, but it also means learning how to phrase something in the best way and find the best time to bring certain things up. It’s a whole thing.
17. If you can’t find Mirin, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of it for 2 tbsps rice vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. [This is helpful if you want to make ramen — this is one of the recipes that has inspired me this year to make my own ramen with gluten free ingredients! Also this one, and this one.]
Stay tuned for part 2 next week!!
I’m also working on another way to record my lessons of this year having lost a loved one and turning 35.
Stay tuned for something new and exciting coming up!!
P.S. For my birthday I want to raise $600 for an emergency medical bill for the Director of Her Future Foundation. I work closely with this organization, and know he has volunteered unpaid all year to help girls in Sierra Leone end FGM and child marriage.
Check out my previous blog for more or go here to donate (every little bit helps!) https://gofund.me/a624dbac
