Grown woman talk — just us. Let’s unpack some real-life lessons together.
Hey you,
So... I turned 40 a month ago.
Whew! Still getting used to this. And honestly? I kind of love how it feels. Not because I suddenly have it all figured out (because God knows I don’t), but because I’ve lived through some things. Real things. Quiet wins, loud failures, a massive loss and unexpected grace.
And somewhere in between “I got this” and “What am I doing?”, I picked up some lessons that I really wish someone had told me earlier.
So today, I just want to share. No lectures. No filters. Just me sitting here, thinking about all the things I’ve learned before hitting 40, and typing away at this keyboard. Take what speaks to you, leave what doesn’t. And feel free to say “ME TOO” out loud — I’ll hear you in spirit.
Let’s go.
- Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever, and that’s not always a bad thing.
- “No” is a complete sentence. No guilt, no apology.
- Protect your peace like your life depends on it, because honestly, it does.
- You may never get closure. Heal anyway. The other party has already moved on.
- Growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s messy. Keep going.
- You are allowed to outgrow places, people, and old versions of yourself.
- Don't be afraid to fail. Take the risk.
- Boundaries are love. Set them and stick to them.
- You can start over at 30. Or 37. Or even next week.
- Some friends stay for a season, some stay for life. Don’t force it.
- Time is very expensive. Spend it well.
- No one owes you anything. Hard truth, but it sets you free.
- Family is important... but sometimes, they’ll fail you. When that happens, I pray you have a chosen family who steps in and reminds you that love doesn’t always have to come from blood.
- Money needs direction — if you don’t take charge, it’ll run wild.
- You can’t save your way into wealth; your money will lose value with the speed of light. You’ve got to grow your income. Have diversified investments.
- Just because you earn more doesn’t mean you should spend more. Don't eat Sharwarma and drink Boba tea every day because you can.
- Emergency funds aren’t optional. Life gets wild real quick. The COVID pandemic in 2020 really taught me this.
- One income stream? Scary. That is so damn close to zero income stream. Again, 2020 taught me this one.
- Just to reiterate point 19, in case you still don't get it, for the love of God — do not rely on only your 9–5. Layoffs, downsizing or even, the business folding up can happen to you.
- Impulse spending feels harmless… until it becomes a habit that keeps you broke. “I want it” ≠ “I need it.” Learn the difference.
- Always have copies of your ID & documents in your email. You never know when an opportunity may arise.
- You don’t need company to do the thing. Just go. Take that trip, go to the cinema. Like Jason Derulo sang, explore riding solo.
- Love is a decision. Not just butterflies. Oh, and sometimes, you will find it in the strangest of places, and when you least expect it.
- Real love is sometimes annoying but never confusing. If it doesn't feel safe, run.
- You are not hard to love... you just haven’t always been loved well. There’s a difference.
- People treat you how you treat yourself. Start there.
- Stick to your principles. The same people ridiculing you today will respect you later for staying true to them
- Being single is not a punishment. It’s preparation.
- Don’t chase what’s not chasing you back.
- Stay soft. You don’t have to turn cold to protect your heart.
- Talking ≠ communicating. Listen, adjust, show up.
- Your body tells the truth. Listen to it.
- Health isn’t just gym. It’s joy, peace, and sleep too.
- Rest is not a luxury. It’s part of healing.
- Prayer works. Truly.
- Joy is something you can choose, not just something that happens. Create it. Guard it. Protect it.
- Community matters. Life gets heavy — you’ll need people who can hold space for you when you can’t carry it all alone.
- Discipline is the bridge between goals and results. Motivation is cute, but it won’t always show up. Discipline will.
- People won't always get your choices but do what feels best for YOU.
- Comparison steals your joy. Don't do it.
Before I go, I didn’t write this list because I have it all figured out. I wrote it because I’ve messed up, cried in the bathroom, bounced back, lost myself, and found myself again... and somehow made it here. A little softer. A lot stronger.
If you’re in your 30s (or honestly, any age) and feel behind or unsure, you’re not alone darling.
You’re still becoming.
You’re allowed to grow.
You’re allowed to change.
And you’re allowed to take your time.
What’s one lesson you know now that you wish you’d known earlier?
Do share in the comments, I’d love to hear your version of this list.