Sharing is caring!

If you’re a busy woman looking for simple ways to nurture your relationships, grab my FREE Nourishment Planner. It includes 60 ways to nurture your marriage, your kids, and yourself.

I turned 36 today. While I’m nowhere near retirement, I’ve realized I’m starting to get up there in age. I’m already in the 2nd half of my 30’s! I’m starting to feel aches and pains that weren’t there before. The music that I loved to listen to as a kid is now being called “old school”. My kids have better dance moves than me. Plus, I’m being outrun by them on the field. I can barely keep up with my 18 month-old. I’m even starting to call my kids the wrong names like my parents used to do! I’ve been through a lot in my personal life and career, and have learned quite a bit. Turning a year older causes me to go through a lot of self-reflection. Here, I’ll share with you the 36 lessons I’ve learned in my 36 years.

1. A happy husband makes a happy wife, makes a happy life.
2. Kids act out because they want your attention. They’re much better behaved with one-on-one time.
3. Crying whenever your kid is onstage doing anything is absolutely OK (I do this often!).
4. Hold on to friends that stick by your side no matter how long you go without talking.
5. True friends are there with you during your lowest times. They also celebrate with you when you’re on your mountain top, aren’t jealous, and don’t try to bring you down.
6. Working outside the home can be good for mom and kids
7. Men and women were put on the earth for different reasons. Life is a lot easier when we know our roles and flourish in them.
8. God is Real. After spending time in nature, watching the sunset, the oceans, and mountains, there’s no way the “Big Bang theory” is fact.
9. Being smart isn’t everything. It also pays to be nice and personable.
10. Divorce isn’t always a bad thing.
11. Blended families require extra effort.
12. Marriage takes work, but can be the most rewarding thing ever. Same goes for parenthood. (My nourishment planner has 60 easy ways to nurture yourself and your relationships)
13. God first, Marriage second, Kids third, then everything else.
14. Take care of yourself first so you can take care of others. It’s OK to make yourself a priority.
15. Don’t get stuck in the comparison trap. Nobody’s perfect. Nobody’s life is perfect. Even if social media says they are.
16. Don’t be a bully. The internet has created lots of bullies, who would never say the things to your face that they will say behind a computer screen. Don’t be one.
17. Kids love physical contact and need at least one hug or kiss daily to feel connected. These printable Love Notes make expressing love to your kids a little easier.
18. There are many “right ways” to raise a kid.
19. Your child’s teacher can make or break their school year. It’s important to stay involved.
20. Investing in your kids pays off in the long run.
21. Negative words can cut deep.
22. A good nap can save a day.
23. Disagreements don’t have to be resolved right away. Sometimes it’s best to walk away and re-address it later.
24. Awesome people come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
25. You have to work hard for anything that’s worth having.
26. The future of our country is in the hands of every parent out there
27. Don’t be defined by any one else’s words but your own. Besides immediate family, there are very few opinions that really matter.
28. It’s OK, and many times necessary, to take risks.
29. Be honest with yourself, and everyone around you. Integrity is probably the most important trait to have.
30. Racism is a learned behavior – young children playing together don’t see skin color. Adults can learn a lot from this.
31. Have fun, be silly, and enjoy this ride called life. Sometimes good music and a dance party is all you need. It’s all good for the soul.
32. Always give your best.
33. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. But the important thing is to learn from your mistakes. Learning from them is what makes them worthwhile.
34. Learn something new everyday.
35. Life is too short for regrets. It’ll fly by before you know it.
36. From my mother’s mouth: “Every disappointment is for good”. When things don’t go right, don’t get caught up in what went wrong. Figure out the positive side to the disappointment and move on.

P.S. If you’re a busy mom looking for more simple ways to balance your many roles, fill out the box below! You’ll get my Nourishment Planner with 60 practical ways to nurture your yourself, your marriage, and your kids. You’ll also get access to my Resource Library filled with other handy printables. Plus my weekly newsletter filled with my personal stories, lessons learned, and tips on balancing being a working wife and mom.

Want to save this article, 36 Lessons I’ve Learned In My 36 Years, for later? Pin it and share it with your family and friends!

Sharing is caring!