20 Lessons Learned in My Life (So Far)

As the curtains close on the past three decades of my life, from 25 to 55, I feel a sense of hope. Reflecting on the diverse experiences, moments, and hard work instills optimism for what lies ahead.

Those years, filled with love and loss, victories and defeats, gifted me a kaleidoscope of lessons. It was a chapter marked by heartbreaks that felt like the end of the world, the sting of being ‘let go‘ from mobs more times than I’d care to admit, plus the 19 years in one steady job, the warm embrace of a 25-year marriage since 1998, and now having the unique challenge of parenting two autistic children.

Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Business Owners

In the backdrop of these experiences, I’ve also navigated the choppy waters of running not one, but three small businesses.

Life throws so many curve-balls, yet here I stand, not with a pocketful of regrets, but with a heart enriched by the symphony of joy and pain.

My younger life was filled with self-discovery and resilience, therefore has sculpted me into who I am today – a 55-year-old man with weathered edges and a soul deepened by the roller coaster ride of life.

This collection of 20 simple lessons is a stroll down memory lane in my life.

Embrace Change: I’ve learned that change is a constant companion in life. Embracing it, rather than resisting, has been my key to survival.
Love Endures: Through heartbreaks and shattered dreams, I’ve discovered that love endures. It acts as the glue that mends the fragments of a wounded soul.
Job Loss is not Identity Loss: I’ve been let go from jobs, more than once. It stings, but I’ve come to understand that my worth is not tethered to a job title.
Resilience Trumps Perfection: Life is messy, and perfection is an illusion. What matters is my ability to bounce back, not how flawless I appear.
Marriage is a Team Sport: In my 25-year marriage, I’ve realized that success isn’t a solo act. It’s about navigating storms together and celebrating sunny days as a team.
Parenting is an Art, not a Science: Raising kids, especially with unique challenges like autism, isn’t about following a manual. It’s an art, a journey of discovery.
Regret is a Heavy Baggage: I’ve made mistakes, but carrying regret is like lugging around a suitcase filled with bricks. Letting go has been liberating.
Friendships Evolve: Friends come and go, and that’s okay. The ones who stay, grow with me. I’ve learned to nurture those bonds.
Money is a Tool, not the Goal: I’ve realized that chasing purpose, not just a paycheck, is essential. Money is a tool to build a life, not the life itself.
Health is Wealth: Neglecting health in pursuit of success is a bad trade. Without health, all achievements lose their luster.
Silence Speaks Volumes: Not every battle needs a war cry. Sometimes, silence communicates more powerfully than words.
Passion is the Fuel of Life: Whether it’s a career or a hobby, I’ve found that discovering and pursuing my passion has been the driving force behind my endeavors.
Failure is a Stepping Stone: I’ve come to see that failures are not dead-ends; they’re detours leading to unexpected destinations. I’ve learned to embrace the detours.
Learn to Say No: My time is precious. Saying no isn’t a rejection; it’s a commitment to my priorities.
Humor is a Lifesaver: In the darkest moments, I’ve learned to find humor, even in the bleakest situations. Laughter has been a beacon of light.
Adaptability is a Superpower: Life doesn’t follow my script. Being adaptable has been like having a superhero cape for the unpredictable.
Gratitude Magnifies Joy: Taking a moment each day to appreciate what I have has transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Small Business, Big Lessons: Running small businesses has taught me more than any classroom. Adaptability, resilience, and customer service are the cornerstones.
Kindness is Contagious: I’ve experienced that being kind is infectious. A small act of kindness can have a ripple effect beyond imagination.
Time is Irreplaceable: The clock ticks on, and once a moment is gone, it’s gone forever. I’ve learned to cherish time, for it’s the most valuable currency.