15 Life lessons from my 45 years!

I turned 46 last week.

16,790 days. Give or take.

46 turns around the sun. Personally, I have a greater affection for the segment of the revolution where the Northern Hemisphere is leaning more lovingly towards the sun. I guess that’s the sun chaser in me. I like the heat.

I certainly don’t feel 46.

Sure, I have the typical body aches, accompanied by the standard creaks and cracks when I rise too quickly or have sat in a curled position for too long.

Yes, I tend to get really excited about crawling into the fresh comfort of clean crisp bedsheets right off the clothesline and will likely pause and contemplate watching another episode of a Netflix show when the clock says 9:15 pm. It’s safe to say those two things didn’t have any significance to me in my 20’s.

And of course, there are outward signs of my 16,000+ days. I have my share of wisdom-highlights. You know those little random spikes of hair that sporadically – and seemingly out of nowhere – glisten with all their grey glory. Some days they seem to simply multiply. To spite me or remind me, who knows.

My favourite thing about my birthday is that I get to share it with my bestie – my twin. Whether near or far, on this day, I include my sister. During the ‘Happy Birthday’ song, I will always insert my sister’s name with a loud burst ‘and Natalie’ into the song. I hope all twins share that reciprocal joy on their birthdays.

I think something a little extra transpired for me at the 46th marker. The realization that I am closer to 50 than to 40 is now conspicuous and palpable. You see, 50 holds a special meaning for me. Its significance lies in the realization that this is the age my mom was when she died suddenly. I was only 23, and of course, 50 was old(er), yet – and as if conjoined in thought – still far too young to leave us. All the years we just expected to have with her were now gone. The significance of 50 is never far from thought. Whenever someone celebrates their 50th, my mom is always top of mind. As I get closer to it, the significance becomes even more apparent.

I do not take my birthday for granted. I don’t make a big fuss over it either, but I never take it for granted. As I turned the page and enter my 46th year – and another revolution around the sun – I took some time to reflect on the significance of another 365 days in my collection of days of my life journey.

I couldn’t tell you the precise moments when these ‘experience nuggets’ became relevant for me. All I can tell you is that since they have found a place in my life, they have become guiding principles as I continue on my trek.

If you’ll indulge me for another minute, I’ll happily share them with you.

1. Forgive yourself. You are not the same person from a decade or two ago. Your heart has grown.

2. Get lost in a great book. Indulge and Imagine. Let the pages take you there.  

3. It’s OK to show your vulnerability.  It’s a powerful uniting force.

4. Protect your Joy. People will irritate and disappoint you. Don’t give them the power to steal your joy and kind heart.

5. Look your fur babies in the eyes and tell them how much you love them. It will feed your soul, and theirs.

6. Stop and smell the roses. Literally, stop. Lean in and breathe in mother natures’ perfume. It’s a gift from her and is worthy of our time and gratitude. 

7. Give someone a compliment. It takes an insignificant amount of time to do, but it will have a lasting and positive impact. Kindness matters.

8. It’s OK to have a strong opinion, but let it be grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and compassion, and not from your ego or random arbitrary emotion. Your words matter.

9. Greet each day for the gift that it is.  It is uniquely yours.

10. Never underestimate the power of a “Good morning’ text. There is no limit on how many you can send.  Send them with reckless abandon.

11. A day at the beach can fill you up in immeasurable ways. Take it all in, and never rush it. Be fully present in the moment.

12. Protect your physical and mental wellness. It matters the most.  To you and your loved ones.

13. Own what’s yours, and give the rest back. The troubles of the world are too heavy, and they are not for you to carry alone. The weight will break you. Carry what is yours, and gently place the rest in the capable hands of others.

14. Silence your mind and be still. Listen to the birds sing. Preferably while in a hammock.

15. Always Try. No matter the outcome, trying is always better than regretting.

I may be a little greyer, and my body effortlessly reminds me of my years, but as I enter my 46th year, I know with full certainty that I am grateful for all of it.

With each revolution of the sun, a wiser, kinder – and yet more simplified me – evolves with it.

Cheers to 46, and the journey ahead. I embrace it all, with a full and grateful heart.

With gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole