40 – What I have learnt so far

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As you know, last week Thursday was my birthday and I was surprised with another wonderful gift from my ever loving husband – this magnificent bouquet of flowers.  I have no idea how he managed it as we don’t live anywhere near a florist or within delivery limits. I am one extremely lucky lady. ♥

Birthday flowers

Turning 40 certainly hasn’t made me feel any different to any other birthday to date, however I have been thinking I should be feeling all adult like and that I should have achieved so much more at this stage of my life.  I have however learnt:

  1. Family is everything.
  2. Life is not fair.
  3. I am unconditionally loved.
  4. Accepting change does get easier with age.
  5. I am stronger than I allow myself to believe.
  6. If you want something done properly, do it yourself – my folks taught me this early in life.
  7. It’s easy to write a book, it’s however not so easy to publish and sell.
  8. You cannot assume anything.
  9. Animals are good for your soul.
  10. I will never grow out of being scared of spiders.
  11. You can wear pearls and diamonds together.
  12. It’s easy to admit to my shortcomings and idiosyncrasies.
  13. Heaven knows I have tried but I just cannot enjoy winter.
  14. The only stupid question is the one not asked.
  15. What I think people think of me is not always true.
  16. You don’t have to have met somebody face to face to be friends.
  17. I am comfortable being a creature of habit.
  18. People need education to progress and not cash handouts.
  19. You don’t have to like people if you don’t want to.
  20. I am happy with my own company.
  21. A smile costs nothing and can change a persons day instantly.
  22. Being a Godmother is more meaningful than I could ever have anticipated.
  23. Eating healthy is not all that difficult.
  24. It’s okay to put club soda with red wine if you feel like it.
  25. Being understood is not that easy.
  26. It’s okay to be wrong.
  27. I enjoy baking more than cooking, especially cupcakes, but you already knew that.
  28. Heavy metal music disturbs my soul.
  29. The sound of a lawnmower and vacuum cleaner are my two most un-favourite sounds.
  30. Time really does help you heal.
  31. Your handwriting deteriorates with age – or should I rather say changes with age.
  32. It’s not always easy to shut up and listen.
  33. A positive attitude makes everything easier.
  34. I am important.
  35. World peace is not just something you hear beauty queen contents say they want – it really is something I yearn for.
  36. We are never to old to learn.
  37. Its much easier said than done.
  38. Patience is something I have to work on every day.
  39. Failures are in fact just lessons.
  40. Regardless of your religion or beliefs, all places of worship are beautiful.

So there you have it, my 40 pearls of wisdom. xo

60 thoughts on “40 – What I have learnt so far”

  2. Beautiful flowers indeed, I laughed when I read about handwriting deteriorating I’ve got to the age where signing my name requires huge concentration…I blame computers! 🙂

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  4. A very happy birthday to you! And what a lovely way to celebrate it (I’m sure you did the eating drinking thing too 😉 ), I could relate to lots of things on your learnt list Mandy, probably too many to mention! Wishing you all the very best in whatever you do and wherever you go my friend

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  6. Happy 40th birthday. It’s a milestone no one actually looks forward to but I can testify to the fact that life does indeed, go on and it only gets better xx

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  7. Happy Birthday! Reflection is valuable. I love your list, so many significant realizations there, esp about spiders, winter and patience.
    Exquisite flowers!

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  10. Great list of wisdom — the top three make the rest a cake walk. 🙂 Another bit of wisdom that has helped me after 40 was the realization that the first 40 tend to be about accumulating, the later (and beyond) about letting go. I have found that to be true, and hard, and good, and I still need reminding of it from time to time.
    Happiest of birthdays to you!

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  12. Oops! I promise I’m not drunk, my computer keeps crashing just as I leave a comment and also, as well too (as you would say) I meant to say ever LOVING wife! Ha ha , I clearly need a glass of wine!

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  16. I’ve heard people say they were surprised with flowers but yours were truly a surprise. What a guy!
    Loved this post, Mandy, and what a great way to mark your 40th. Of all the items you’ve listed, I must admit that No. 10 really touched me earlier. No, not the item in your list but a spider in my garden. No more gardening for today.
    Hope you had a fantastic birthday!

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    • I am on my way with a case of wine to calm your nerves after your gardening episode John, oh and I guess we could also enjoy a glass to celebrate my birthday. My Pete is truly one of a kind – I always say he is the closest thing to saint walking the earth! I had a beautiful birthday, thanks! Have a super day. 🙂 xo

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  17. This is simply brilliant, my dear Mands. You have wisdom far beyond plain factual knowledge (of which I know you have plenty, too), and your thoughtful approach to your whole life has clearly made you a deeper and richer person over your mere 40 years. Thank you for sharing that with the rest of us, and I wish you many more than 40 additional years! May they be joyful and full of beauty in the same measure as that you share here through your blog. Happy Birthday, darling lady!
    xoxo
    Kathryn

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  20. Happy birthday Mandy!!!! What gorgeous flowers for a wonderful YOUNG lady. 🙂 I love all of your 40 points. I’m getting closer to turning 40 as well and I have to say you have made me look at it a little differently. I appreciate that more than you know. Have a wonderful birthday week and month, as you know I drag them out as long as possible. Cheers!

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