50 Truths, Lessons & Joys I’m Carrying Into This Next Chapter
This season has invited me into deeper reflection—a moment to pause and ask: What truly matters to me NOW?
Not just in theory, but in practice. In how I show up for myself and others. In how I move through my days.
So I sat with that question for a couple weeks. And what came through was this list—50 things that hold meaning, bring me joy, ground me and guide me. Some are hard-earned lessons, others are daily rituals or values I hold close. Not a full list by any means but the ones that came to mind as I compiled it.
This isn’t a blueprint or a “how-to.” It’s just a deeply personal collection of what I’ve come to believe, love and honor as I enter this next decade of life.
My hope? That it meets you where you are—and maybe even invites you to make your own list, too.
Life Lessons, Perspective, Connections
Do something uncomfortable regularly. This is when growth happens.
Stop letting fear keep you from doing the things you want. It hinders dreams.
Follow your own timeline. No one else’s matters.
Don’t accept “that’s just what happens when you get old.” It’s not.
Life will throw you the unexpected, sometimes brutally cruel. You can heal and thrive again.
If you have a dog, take them on adventures. Let them sniff everything.
Nurture the relationships that feed your soul.
Teach kids how to cook. It’s the foundation for a healthier lifestyle.
Don’t listen to the noise or what everyone else is doing. Stand in your own frame.
Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot. Being able to laugh at yourself is good for the soul.
A good cry always makes you feel better—happy or sad.
Do something fun weekly, big or small.
Make time to take in the views and fresh air: the sunrises, the sunsets, the chirping birds, the water and mountains, and everything in between.
Don’t wait to share how you feel or fix what’s broken. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
The energy you let in, drives the energy you put out.
Don’t let anger or resentment fester. It hardens you.
Stop being so self-critical of yourself–physically or mentally. The words you speak about yourself will manifest.
Date yourself. Take yourself out at least once a month. Everyone needs their own special time.
Marriage takes daily effort. Complacency makes you grow apart.
Don’t take your youth for granted.
You can rewrite your story at any age.
Don’t wait to find purpose in your life. It changes everything.
Let joy be a compass. Life’s too short to keep choosing what drains you.
Health, Food, Movement
Eat whole, real foods as much as possible. It makes a huge difference.
Strong > skinny. Lift weights.
Cook more than you eat/take out. You’ll feel the shift.
If you look at food as medicine, information, connection and energy, the choices you make around food will change.
Sufficient sleep is probably one of THE most important health hacks you can adopt.
Find movement, workouts, exercise you actually enjoy. You won’t do them consistently otherwise.
Realize that the food you eat not only drives how your body looks, but also your mood, your energy and your choices.
Get early morning sunlight as often as possible. It sets the stage for the day.
What you put in and on your body has an impact.
Always read food labels. Ingredients matter.
Recovery is just as important as the movement.
Drink the water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Gratitude & Joy
Grateful for a strong and resilient mind and body.
Quiet mornings watching the sun rise.
A well-made afternoon matcha or cappuccino
The perfect light, flaky, buttery French almond croissant
Hearing my nephew and niece call me “Nini” with their little voices.
My family’s health, love and support.
The way my husband comes to kiss me in bed every morning.
The way my pup stares at me with so much love.
Friends for life and my sisterhood of elephants.
Cooking a new meal for the first time and having it come out amazing.
Late 90s/early 2000’s hip hop and R&B - the OG.
Having a background and culture I’m proud of.
A good read looking out at an amazing view on the balcony with the pup in tow.
Finally being able to keep my plants alive (most of the time).
A grateful life with my late husband and having the courage to continue to celebrate and remember him.