Lessons Learned

One of the harder truths about getting older is realizing that we learn some of life’s biggest lessons a little too late. We discover that we can only do so many things well. We might make incredible decisions in one area, while completely missing the mark in another—sometimes setting ourselves back years. We may communicate with clarity and grace in certain situations, and then completely sabotage connection in others.

They say the great thing about aging is the wisdom we gain. And that’s true—but it can also be a tough pill to swallow. Hindsight is 20/20, they say. Hopefully that’s true. Hopefully we do learn from our mistakes. Hopefully we learn to do things differently, and better. And hopefully we care enough to keep improving.

The thing is: we only get one life. One shot. So it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “Ugh, I should’ve done that instead,” especially when things don’t turn out the way we hoped. But if we’re evolving—making better choices, learning to love and live more deeply—then we don’t need to beat ourselves up.

As I grow older, I’m thankful I’ve become more patient. I never used to be. I’m learning to truly consider another person’s perspective before reacting. I’m less impulsive. I think more carefully before I speak. I value my loved ones more deeply. And I’m grateful for that growth.

Yesterday was Easter, and I spent it with my dad—just the two of us this year. It was one of the most peaceful and gratitude-filled Easters I can remember. I made a healthy, delicious meal… complete with gnocchi and ravioli. Yin and yang. And the best part? The conversation. It wasn’t rushed. We were both fully present. The good energy carried over into today. I slept deeply. I woke up early to my favorite homemade coffee (with a little butter—don’t knock it ’til you try it). I journaled. I planned. I reflected on all that I’m thankful for. I worked out with my favorite “gym people.”

And now—I’m writing. I truly enjoy writing about all things wellness, especially the connection between mind and body. I love writing about life lessons, too. So many of my friends say they wish they had done things differently—no matter how beautiful a family they’ve built or how successful their career has been.

We can only choose so many paths in this life. We have to make the best decisions we can with the information we have at the time—and then make the best of the path we’ve chosen. If you care enough, you’ll grow. You’ll improve. And you will make better decisions with each passing day.

Be like the bird in the picture. Trust your wings.

If you enjoy reading my blog posts, stay tuned—my writing groove is back, and I’ll be posting a lot more, including what I’m learning from the book Cancer as a Metabolic Disease by Thomas N. Seyfried. It dives deep into how our lifestyle choices can play a powerful role in preventing disease.

For now, I’m off to take care of my massage clients who are booked today.Speaking of which—don’t forget to put “massage” on your weekly to-do list! Need one? You can book it at A Knead for Wellness—appointments are available online.

You deserve it.