I turn 40 at the end of this month. So I wanted to take a few minutes to share some of the more important things I’ve learned so far. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to do the same in another 40 years, and I sure do hope that many of the things that matter most to me now still matter then. So here we go…

Be kind to others – simply because it’s the right thing to do.

My parents are much wiser than I used to give them credit for. Some of the things they taught me include:

• Fruits and vegetables are good for you
• Save your money
• Study hard and never stop learning
• Always do your best
• Respect your elders
• Be honest – your word should mean something
• Give back and be generous
• Treat others as you’d like them to treat you

Don’t ever wait to tell someone how you feel. I’ve hurt people by not being honest sooner, and I’ve lost people who never knew how much I loved them.

It’s OK to have feelings that aren’t “happy”. Sometimes we need to be sad, angry, frustrated…we just can’t let those consume us.

Love is by far the most important part of life. Love for people, the planet, what you do, who you are. And it starts inside each and every one of us. Let it radiate!

I can disagree with someone and still be her friend. I can hold completely different beliefs from someone and still love and respect him.

I am not always right. In fact, I am always learning. I will know more tomorrow than I do today, but I will never know everything. And that’s OK.

Success is not measured by how much money I have, or how many things I have, but how much love surrounds me and how useful I am to others.

Smiling and laughter are absolutely infectious, and amazingly healing.

Some things are beyond my control, but this does not make me powerless.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Humility takes strength of character.

No kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

It’s important to push myself to be better than I thought I could be. It’s scary sometimes, but it’s worth it.

No one is perfect. It’s not fair to expect perfection from myself or anyone else.

I am beautiful just the way I am – with every imperfection, every wrinkle, every gray hair.

Gratitude cannot be overrated. I am thankful every single day for more than I can possibly put into words.

True friends are treasures worth treating as such.

Little moments matter – take time for them.

What I put into my body matters. How I treat my body matters. In time, we reap what we have sown.

We are all responsible for this beautiful planet. Even small actions can make a big difference.

Above all – I am loved, and I am worthy of that love.

I’m sure there are things that I’ve forgotten to mention…but hey, I’m not perfect 😉