50 Things I've Learned by 50

A half century of lessons learned

As I celebrated my recent birthday — the big 5-0 — I reflected on some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life, lessons I plan to keep in my back pocket as I embark on my fabulous 50’s.

So what did a half century of living teach me? Here are 50 things I learned by 50:

1. Enjoy your own company.

2. Feeling uninspired? Go for a walk.

3. You’re never too old to dye your hair pink.

4. Don’t skip dentist appointments.

5. “Fake it till you feel it” isn’t good enough. It’s no way to live your life.

6. The longer you plan for something, the less likely it is to happen as you planned.

7. Life isn’t a competition.

8. A 20-minute power nap can completely turn a rough day around.

9. When someone offers help, take it.

10. Be a person who makes things happen.

11. Read voraciously.

12. Pursue passions, no matter how small or silly they may seem.

13. Laugh. A lot.

14. Always accept your children’s hugs when they offer. One day they might not offer.

15. You never know what goes on behind closed doors.

16. Stop repeating patterns that don’t serve you.

17. Dancing it out really works.

18. Don’t let your people-pleasing tendencies dictate your decisions.

19. The grass is always greener on social media. Don’t compare your behind-the-scenes reality to other people’s highlight reels.

20. Don’t talk for the sake of talking. Have something to say.

21. Wear the red lipstick.

22. You won’t always get the apology you feel you deserve. Don’t waste time chasing it.

23. If something is important to you, you can find the time for it.

24. Done is better than perfect.

25. Listen to your body.

26. Your children see and hear everything. Be a good role model.

27. Sometimes knowledge is power. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Know the difference and plan accordingly.

28. Get outside at least once a day.

29. Pets can help you get through the toughest of times.

30. You never know until you try.

31. Take the time to snap photos, but not so much time that you’re not living in the moment.

32. Learn forgiveness.

33. Practice gratitude.

34. If people want you in their lives, they’ll find a way to keep you there.

35. There are two sides to every story.

36. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself.

37. Enforce the no gadget rule at family dinners. It’s amazing the conversations you can have with a table filled with undivided attention.

38. Travel to another country at least once when you’re old enough to appreciate it.

39. Learn how to cut unnecessary expenses to save money for big adventures (like traveling to another country).

40. Life is not a checklist. You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day.

41. Everything happens for a reason, but there’s a good chance you may not ever know those reasons.

42. Be thankful for unanswered prayers.

43. Everything in moderation.

44. Sometimes silliness is a virtue.

45. Enjoy the journey AND the destination.

46. Unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders, and take the biggest breath you can. That felt good, didn’t it?

47. Trust your gut.

48. Perspective is one of life’s greatest teachers.

49. Be kind.

50. It’s never too late.

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Thanks for reading Days Like This, a newsletter by Heather Sweeney. Who am I? I’m the author of the award winning memoir Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage and a freelance writer appearing in The New York Times, Washington Post, HuffPost, Business Insider, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and many more. Learn more about Days Like This in my intro post.

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