50 Lessons for my 50th Birthday

I'm turning 50 this week! It feels like a huge milestone and an even bigger honor to be aging. I sat down and jotted down 50 things I've learned along the path of my life so far, and I thought I'd share. Here they are:

1. Aging isn’t anything to be afraid of if you take care of your body and mind.
2. Our time here is finite- use it wisely.
3. Alcohol is overrated, but sometimes a crisp, cold sauvignon blanc is perfection.
4. Parenting is more joy than fun in the first few years.
5. Money is energy and flows accordingly.
6. You will always look at photos of your younger self, looking hot as hell, and remember how you thought you were fat back then.
7. A good night’s sleep is essential for happiness.
8. Most things that annoy you in midlife aren’t intentionally trying to piss you off. Remember that before you speak.
9. It’s never too late to pursue a new passion.
10. Making big changes is scary, but often really worth it.
11. Life’s too short to be treated like shit at work.
12. Therapy is a Godsend.
13. Friends can be family too.
14. Your parents did the best they could. Forgive them.
15. Dogs are the best gift God ever gave us.
16. Your body will want to move differently as you age. Listen to it.
17. When social media starts killing your spirit, take a long break.
18. Being a mom is the most incredible, hardest, best, most thankless, most rewarding job on the planet (yeah. All of those things).
19. On the other side of fear is usually something worth it.
20. The anticipation of the thing is most often worse than the thing itself.
21. The colonoscopy nap is the best nap of your life.
22. Floss.
23. Never assume anything.
24. The internet is forever.
25. AI is convenient but can’t replace the unique way you string your thoughts together and put them into the world.
26. Entrepreneurship can be lonely.
27. Save a little bit of money every week, no matter what.
28. The world doesn’t need to know all of your plans. Take your time.
29. Not everyone deserves your love or attention.
30. Gut feelings are real, and usually correct.
31. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you should monetize it.
32. People aren’t paying attention to you as much as you think they are.
33. If your doctor doesn’t listen to your concerns, find a new doctor.
34. Signs from the other side are real.
35. Social media isn’t real life.
36. You need art in your life to feed your soul.
37. If you are thinking about someone, text them and let them know. You never know when you’ll connect again.
38. Rejection is redirection, sure. But it still hurts.
39. If you fall out of love with a hobby, an occupation, or a person, it’s okay to move on.
40. Your career does not define you.
41. Take the trip.
42. Never underestimate the dopamine hit you get when you buy a stranger their coffee.
43. A coat of paint makes a huge difference.
44. Opt for the comfortable shoes if you can help it.
45. Marry someone who makes you laugh every day.
46. No answer is also an answer.
47. Always buy the best quality you can afford. 
48. Don’t overschedule yourself.
49. Your body is the only one you’re going to get. Don’t be so mean to it.
50. Looking for the good makes you feel good.