Last year I turned the big 4 – 0. It was a little unsettling for me, and at the time I couldn’t quite understand why. I consoled my worried mind by writing 40 Tips for 40 Years.
After losing my Dad a few weeks later, I realized that my soul knew exactly what had been coming – that 40 was the year I would lose him. The exercise of writing down those tips actually helped carry me through the tough days that followed.
In honor of the passing of such a challenging year, here are 41 things that matter most to me right now. Some need no explanation, others are worthy of clarification. I welcome you to add in your own in the comment box below the post.
- Love
- Empathy – A lack of empathy allows racism, classism, and cruelty to flourish. When we see things from another’s perspective, it is much easier to embrace compassion and understanding.
- Creativity
- Manners – Saying “Please” and “Thank You” makes a huge difference in how we interact with one another. Please, Please, Please teach your kids manners, and use them yourself. Thank you (see how nicely that works.)
- Gratitude
- Health – Money, time, possessions – they are all meaningless if you don’t have the health to enjoy them. If you are healthy, count your blessings and try to be compassionate to those who are not as fortunate.
- Respect
- Awe – Living in awe means approaching each day and every new experience with the expectation that something magical is about to happen. When you live life with that intent, the possibilities are endless.
- Kindness
- Nature – We are meant to live in harmony with the plants and animals all around us. Mother Nature gives us so much. We must respect and honor those gifts.
- Balance
- Honesty
- Exploration – Experiencing new things, learning new skills, visiting different places, all enrich life tremendously.
- Courage
- Beauty – There is beauty everywhere – in flowers, in a sunset, on the face of a smiling child. When you take the time to notice beauty, life is richer.
- Hope
- Touch – Humans require physical touch in order to thrive. A hug or a gentle pat on the back can lift a person’s spirit.
- Positivity
- Experience – Getting older can be tough, but with age comes experience, the accumulation of which is essential for true wisdom.
- Music
- Details – The little things in life really do matter. We tend to remember the special details and cherish them the most.
- Sweetness – After limiting my sugar intake for the past several years, I am particularly aware that sweet is a truly special taste. Always have a little sweetness in your day.
- Knowledge
- Trust – Unfortunately, people can be manipulative and dishonest. It is important to recognize that fact without losing the ability to trust. Good, trustworthy people are everywhere.
- Prayer
- Safety – We can’t be brave without some degree of safety in our lives. Find your anchors, the places that make you feel good and the people who support you, and lean on them when necessary.
- Passion
- Rules – We often complain about laws and rules, but without them there is chaos and incivility. Appreciating the purpose of rules makes it much easier to embrace and accept them.
- Joy
- Clarity – Getting clear on what you think and how you feel is an important yet often overlooked part of life. Give yourself the time every day to get clear through meditation, journaling, or exercise.
- Belief – Believing in something bigger than yourself gives life purpose and depth.
- Dedication
- Validation – Although I have said, “seeking validation of any kind is a slippery slope that leaves us feeling empty and lacking”(https://happyhealthyher.com/rediscovering-dissonance/),there is more to the story. Being validated and validating others helps us to feel less alone. When you validate another’s pain, you often help to diffuse it.
- Listening
- Energy – It is important to understand that energy is all around us. It can be emotional, physical, and electrical; expressed as thoughts and feelings, passed on through our words and our beliefs, and transmitted through the myriad of electronic devices surrounding us. Protecting our energy field is a vital part of health.
- Boundaries – The best way to protect your energy and honor yourself is to establish clear boundaries. If you are feeling drained by certain people, stay clear of them.
- Openness – You can establish clear boundaries between yourself and others while still staying open to the world around you. If you close your mind or your heart, you will miss out on many wonderful opportunities.
- Movement
- Perseverance –I have a plaque from my Grandma that says, “If you’ve tried and have not won, never stop for crying. All that’s good and great is done just by patient trying.”
- Generosity
- Values – Knowing what is important to you helps to shape your decisions and drive your actions. If you aren’t sure exactly what you value, you can’t ever be sure that you are on the right path.
How about you, what do you think matters? Please leave your comments below. Thank You!