In a few days, I will be over the mid-forties hump.  Embracing and welcoming the forties has been no different from reaching any other celebratory milestone in my life.   To me forty plus is just a number and has unexpectedly delivered many enlightening and telling moments.  While some woman stress, I’m happy to have reached a point in my life, where I’ve acquired a little something called wisdom.   I’ve learned that:

1. When someone does me or my family wrong, there’s no need to stress about it.  I’m simply thankful that the person has revealed their true self to me.  I say thank you and go about the business of ejecting them from life. 
2. It is genuinely okay to end friendships.  Authentic relationships don’t outgrow one another and can with stand the test of times.
3. There’s no need to say, “I told you so!”    Both you and I know what I said, I was clear about my comments and I know that you remember exactly what I said. 
4. Only give solicited opinions; all others are unwanted.
5. Trying to help those who are not seriously committed to helping themselves is pointless.
6. Go about the business of improving, developing, or changing Tanya.  She’s the only person that I can truly change.
7. It isn’t necessary to take part in an event just because it is “expected” of me.
8. Don’t allow someone else’s emergency to become mine. Failure to plan on their part doesn’t have to be intrusive on my time.
9. Just because I earn a decent living/lifestyle, doesn’t mean that I have to share it with you.  Entitlement is an UGLY thing.  I share my blessing with those who genuinely care about me and my family….  Even if I’m unemployed and am living in a shoebox. 
10. Continue to laugh and embrace every smile line in my face.
11. Dance even if you’re not good at it.  I do!
12. Smile.  Everyone needs to receive one… some days more than others.
13. Be gentle when bearing ugly truths.  Just because the truth is unpleasant, it doesn’t mean that it has to be delivered in a cruel way.
14. Don’t expect any different from family—they are people too.  Some we love, some we love to….  Nope, I’m not going to say it.
15. Most kids listen to their parents more than parents realize.  I’ve lived it!
16. Reading is good for the spirit.
17. Talk less, listen more.
18. Spirituality is internal not external.
19. Don’t judge others even if they judge me.
20. Embrace my true God-given self!

I hope that you’re having a marvelous day!