5 Things I Know For Sure This Month...

When I turned 40 years old, babyyyy…you couldn't tell me NOTHING!  *dusting my shoulder off*  The dreading turning 40 vibe missed me by miles and instead I was overcome with feeling myself for turning 40.  In my mind turning 40 was an indicator that I was "'sho 'nuff grown."  This wave of liberation literally washed over me and I fully committed myself to only doing what Faith Margaret wanted to do and not feeling obligated to justify my decision making around not doing what I don't want to do.  Dammit!  Head up.  Shoulders Back.  Face to the sun! 

This summer I celebrated my 44th birthday and though I still feel liberated, I also feel w a y more conscious of my aging.  I am very clear that I am walking in the second half of my life and I want very much to live the rest of my life fully and authentically.  So much so that I am looking for little life lessons in the daytime with a flashlight with the well intended purpose of thriving over the next 44 years.  October is just about over and left me with a few lessons to add to my authentic living:    

1.  The more I know and the more I plan, the less I worry.  Worrying is a habit I learned as a little one to cope with a dysfunctional childhood.  Worrying doesn't serve me well as an adult and it's my life's work to rid myself of this burden.  *sigh*  Life happened this month and I was reminded of how much better I feel when I learn more about a thing that is worrying me and when I am proactive.  End result is I am w a y less worried.            

2.  A watched pot never boils.  I can be impatient with life and want things to move according to my plan.  Accepting that I cannot control everything around me and there is grace is being able to yet enjoy my journey while waiting for this thing or that thing to come

A little reflection is a good thing...

to fruition is a gift.   Hurry up and wait, basically!

3.  Just because they ask for it, doesn't mean they will use it.  It is an honor for our friends to come to us asking for feedback and it's our duty to give them our honest perspective about their situation.  And that is where it ends.  Period.  Our friends are not obligated to take our feedback and run with it.  Though we may be right as rain, standing firmly beside our friends as they find their way through life's challenges is the task.  Speak your peace and hush!

4.  Every 90 days…refresh!  I go to work sick, tired and otherwise worn out more often than not.  I accumulate vacation day after vacation day and sick day after sick day because I show up at 8:30am Monday through Friday, come what may.  I get the work done and stay on task with work projects because I am always on the grind BUT I am pretty sure I am not my best self (at home or at the j-o-b) when I work with no rest.  I am starting to feel the benefits of taking time off every 90 days and I love it!  I feel better.  I look better.  I show up better.   

5.  It will be there tomorrow.  I am a task master and love a good, "To Do List" to get me through all the things I believe are necessary to keep my life running efficiently.  But, dammit…if it doesn't get done today it will be there tomorrow.  On that damn To Do List.  Waiting for me to check it off.  And that is just fine.  Damn!  Forgot to add something to the list...

November is right around the corner with it's brisk mornings and cold nights (and high a!$ heating bills).  In between layering on sweaters, zipping up boots and fixing scarves just so, there are plenty life lessons waiting for us.  What 5 things will you know for sure next month?