38 Lovely Lessons That I've Learned in Turning 38!

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Another beautiful year of life is coming to an end for me, and I am so excited to start the new one. I wanted to share 38 lessons that I have learned through my lifetime as an educator, a mother, a wife, and a daughter of the Most High King!

38 Lovely Lessons That I've Learned in Turning 38!

#38. Each New Year is a Gift

Every year comes to an end, and I always want to remember to be grateful for the next one and the wonders it will bring. This year has been huge for me–I’ve gotten a lot of media coverage, sold out my first conference, and I have more magical moments to come.

#37. Community Changes Lives

Community is everything, and it helps us to be whole. Find others who you can connect with, and celebrate your time with them. Learning how to find your community can have a really positive impact on your life!

#36. There is Always More to Learn

We never hit an age where we have learned it all or can stop growing. Keep learning alongside your children!

#35. Life is Better When We Remember to Smile

Few gestures have more impact on ourselves or others than the act of taking time to smile. 

#34. We All Make Mistakes

No one is perfect, and no one should try to be. Mistakes are learning opportunities, and they help us to grow.

#33. You Can’t Plan for Everything

Even the best plans will miss something or end up with something unexpected happening. Learn to embrace the chaos as it comes.

#32. Celebrating New Seasons Helps With Change

All things change throughout the year, and we do too. Allow yourself to flow with the cycles of nature.

#31. You Have to Embrace the Happy Moments as They Come

Happy moments often arrive without notice, but it is still your job to notice them!

#30. Little Gestures Can Show So Much Love

A smile, a laugh, or a fresh cup of coffee can show the people you care about just how much they mean to you.

#29. We Must Exercise Patience in Everything

From parenthood and work to cleaning and self-care, life is better when we remember to be patient.

#28. It’s Okay to Feel Down

You don’t have to be happy and full of joy every single second. Feel your emotions as they come–even when you are sad.

#27. Time is a Beautiful Gift

Each second we live is full of magic and love. Never forget that.

#26. There is No “Right” Way to Parent

The world is full of parenting advice, but only you can decide what is right for your family. Don’t be afraid to make your own decisions.

#25. The Time We Make for Our Kids Matters

Every minute we dedicate to our children is a minute where they feel loved and supported. Make them count.

#24.  Celebrate Even the Smallest Victories

You may not think every victory is a huge deal, but it is. Count your victories and blessings, and watch how it changes your perspective.

#23. Make Time for Yourself–it Matters

Taking time for yourself allows you to reset and focus on yourself. This allows you to show up more for those you love later.

#22. You Don’t Need to Be Just One Thing

Mother, content creator, traveler–whatever it is you want to be, be it. You can be more than just one thing!

#21. Being a Mom Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It

Motherhood comes with countless challenges, but it is always worth it in the end. Remember, hard days lead to happy ones.

#20. Jesus in Everything and Everywhere

Jesus is all around us, and when we remember that, we see the world in a much better way.

#19. Every Day is an Opportunity to Start Fresh

Don’t let yesterday’s funk define your bright new day. Treat it like the fresh start it is!

#18. Love is Limitless and Multiplies the More You Give

The love we give comes back even stronger, so give plenty of love!

#17. Show Up Every Day, and Every Day Your Best Will Be Different

You don’t need to be your “best” self in the same way each day. Sometimes your best brings more, and sometimes it brings less. That’s okay, too, as long as you show up.

#16. It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

Life changes, and we do too. You are allowed to change your mind. I went from being a school principal and city girl to a homeschooling homesteader, and I’ve never been happier!

#15. Pain Can Be Turned Into Passion When We Believe in Ourselves

Instead of letting pain keep you down, let it fuel you. It has the potential to take you farther than you ever would have imagined.

#14. Change is the Only Constant

You might have plans, but don’t get too focused on them. Things change every day, and you never know what will happen next.

#13. Home is Not Just a Place

I fully believe that home is an emotion, an anchor, and a sanctuary where our stories come to life. It is as much a part of us as anything else, and it helps to remember that.

#12. Completionism is Dangerous to Our Happiness

We don’t need to complete everything or do every single thing we can. It is an impossible standard, and it stops us from ever feeling satisfied or happy.

#11. Progress is More Important Than Perfection in Homeschool and in Life

It is easy to get caught up chasing perfection or wanting things to move along on a set timeline, but it isn’t realistic. As long as you’re moving forward, that is good enough.

#10. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

We all need time for ourselves, or we will burn out. This is a fact, and it means that we must prioritize self-care if we truly want to be our best for others.

#9. Motherhood is My Ministry

Through motherhood, I can guide my children and help them to grow into the best versions of themselves. Every day, I help to support their growth through valuable lessons and love.

#8. Books Can Bridge the Gaps in Understanding One Another

A book can help us to view the world in a new way or let us see the world from someone else’s point of view. I believe books bring us closer together, building understanding one page at a time.

#7. Pursue Growth Over Comfort

Growing isn’t always easy, and sometimes, it is downright uncomfortable. However, it is always worth it in the end. Step outside of your box, and keep challenging yourself with a growth mindset.

#6. Keep Christ in the Center of Your Marriage

My marriage is sacred, just like my relationship with Christ. When we keep Him at the center, we truly thrive together.

#5. Love Your Children With All Your Heart, Not Equally

I have learned that I may never love my children equally, and those feelings can change with time. I don’t think it is possible to feel that way. However, I will always love my children with all of my heart in the ways that they need to be loved.

#4. It’s Always Worth Trying

Even if you are scared, and even if you don’t want to–it is always worth trying. You may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

#3. Hot Coffee Comes First Every Morning

I don’t care what the temperature is outside–coffee is the first thing I reach for every morning. A steaming mug of coffee helps me to feel more grounded and ready to take on my day.

It’s always good to know how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

#2. Family is Everything

Family is such a blessing, and I know how lucky I am to have such amazing people around me. Every decision I make, I make with them in mind.

#1. Faith is Always #1

No matter where life takes me or how I am feeling, my faith will always be the most important thing in the world to me–and it only grows with time.

I hope you enter your next year of life feeling inspired too! 

Xoxo,

Mandy