Ten life lessons from 40 years on this planet

1. Keep a beginners mind, Learn.

Read books, lots of them. Non fictional ‘educational’ and fictional ‘escapism’ ones. Listen to podcasts about stuff you think you know, and stuff you don’t know. Watch documentaries that stop you in your tracks. Skim read blogs and articles, magazines and guides. They are full of nuggets ready to pass on. Take online or in person courses to learn at a deeper level. Forever keep your brain active and alive.

2. Self Discovery

Enjoy a regular activity (call it a hobby) where you constantly stretch yourself. Where you are never quite done, as each time you partake in the activity you learn or discover something new. About the activity, about you, about life, or about others. The journey is constant, interweaved into your life. It grants you permission to delve deeper and discover what you need.

3. Do stuff - fill your life adventure and experiences

Fill your life with adventure and experiences. Hike to the summit, enjoy a picnic, or simply walk in nature. Go on that big trip or a road trip. Enjoy the gig, festival or movie night.

Listen for when your soul sings YES! And find more of that.

4. Develop compassion for yourself and others

Be kind. Develop a mind-set where you don’t judge, but seek to understand. Where you find our own preconceived misconceptions, they run deep and wide. Keep your heart open, and learn to love where you’ve closed yourself off. Love yourself first, then radiate that love out.

5. Live and learn then share back, far and wide. By sharing stories, insights, and lessons someone out there will be better off.

6. Become your own best friend. Trust yourself by staying true to your values. Call yourself out. Be self aware. Listen to your inner knowing, that will guide you when you’re lost. Become your greatest project, be your cheerleader through life.

7. Connect within your community. But first find who your community is. Join in, meet up, share, experience, connect and enjoy.

8. Play. ‘We don’t stop playing cause we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.’ Be silly. Seriousness stops you living a full free life. Go down the chute!

9. Develop a mindful practice. Get lost in nature. Notice the awe around us. The clouds, trees, and rainbows. Get quiet, still your mind to hear the whispers. Seek out the calm, in a chaotic world. For then you will find what you have been missing.

10. Cultivate JOY.

Embrace the possibility of what could be, and make yourself proud along the way. Enjoy this one life we have. Shine bright, because ‘Why Not?’