68 Lessons I've Learned in 68 Years
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This week, I joyfully celebrate turning 68 years old!
I can hardly believe it. How did time fly by so quickly?! It feels like just last week I was jumping double dutch on Grey Avenue in Evanston, Illinois, surrounded by my neighborhood girlfriends.
It seems like only yesterday that I was practicing scales on the piano, diving into "Charlotte's Web" for the first time, and participating in an integration program as one of a handful of Black kids, being bused miles from my home to attend Dawes School, an all-Jewish elementary school.
Surely, it was just a month ago when I was a college freshman, earning my radio broadcasting license and hosting my very own jazz show. In what feels like only a couple of weeks ago, I met the man of my dreams at WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I began my exciting career in television.
And wasn’t it just yesterday that I took the leap to NYC to work at NBC’s premier cable network, America's Talking (now MSNBC), producing "Ask E Jean" and “The View?!
And only a moment ago that I decided to leave my TV career behind to start my own business and bring Pure Joy Wellness to life.
At 68, I find myself on the brink of a future set to be richer and more meaningful than ever. Turning 68 isn’t just about getting older, it’s about recognizing the treasure trove of lessons I’ve gathered over the years – lessons that are valuable, timeless, and profoundly important.
So, in honor of this special occasion, I am thrilled to share with you “68 Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned on the Journey of My Life.” I hope these insights and reflections will inspire and enlighten you – today, tomorrow, and in years to come! I’ve bolded the ones that I think are especially important to remember.
Every year do one thing that you’ve never done before that just scares the shit out of you.
Love yourself – no matter what.
Make your health a top priority.
Remember that people deserve kindness more than they desire your opinion. It’s more important to be kind than it is to be right.
Never lose your sense of humor.
Make peace with your past, so it won’t screw up the present.
It is never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you.
You can never say thank you too often. A heart of sincere gratitude will change the atmosphere of your life.
Time spent reading is never wasted time. Re-read the books that you read as a child. Fill your mind with words and your heart with the moral of the story!
Time spent playing is also never wasted time. Enjoy life!
Get enough sleep. Seven to eight hours a night.
Do something every day that makes you happy.
Emotional health is as important (if not more important) than physical health. One can’t exist without the other.
Lift heavy weights, ideally three times a week.
Cry with someone. It is more healing than crying alone.
Be bold and courageous. It’s okay to be afraid, but don’t let fear stop you from taking action!
Never pass up an opportunity to tell someone that you love them.
Stay in touch with childhood friends. Send them emails or hand-written notes. Look at their faces and see the young person that is still there.
Listen to more than one kind of music.
Always do your best, knowing your best is going to be different each day
Be mindful of how you talk to yourself. You can choose to be your own worst critic or your biggest champion.
Always trust your gut. It will never steer you wrong.
Create an atmosphere of peace within the four walls of your home. This is your sanctuary.
Cook your own food – this way you know what’s in it.
Move your body everyday, no exceptions!
What other people think of you doesn’t matter.
Stay hydrated.
Sitting with uncomfortable feelings is the best way to move past them.
Keep a journal. Record your thoughts, questions and also the answers that you receive. It might be the greatest legacy that you will leave.
Find a volunteer opportunity. When you give yourself to a cause that’s larger than yourself, you reach into the best part of yourself.
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
You can never laugh too much or often enough!
Long walks in nature are a healing balm to the soul.
Don’t make assumptions.
Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what they’re going through.
Always eat cake on your birthday! Have sex too!
Judgment breeds judgment – if you judge others, they will judge you.
Say positive affirmations daily. You are strong. You are important. Etc.
Laugh at yourself. We all make silly mistakes!
Listen to people older than you. Hear their hearts…listen to their opinions…smile at their memories.. and learn from their wisdom
Listen to people younger than you. Hear their hearts…listen to their opinions…and share in their dreams.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
Do something creative that you love, that you will never master. This way you will never stop learning.
You are never too old to dream a new dream or to set a new goal.
Don’t save things for a special occasion. Today is special!
Life is not always fair, but it’s still good.
Not everything is about you. Don’t take anything personally.
Your life matters. It matter very much.
Forgive everything and everyone.
Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
Listen more than you talk.
No one is responsible for your happiness, except you!
The words “I’m sorry” are among the most powerful words in the English language.
You are always just one day away … one choice away … from the greatest breakthrough of your life!
Believe in miracles.
You are not defined by what you do or how much you earn, but by how much you give.
Get outside everyday.
Take a deep breath, it calms the mind.
If you don’t ask for what you want, you’ll never get it.
Stop worrying about your age! Aging is a privilege – and many people aren’t so lucky.
A bad diet can harm more than a good diet can help
Envy is a waste of time. You have everything you need.
Find a way to serve somebody everyday. Pay for someone’s coffee in line. Smile at a stranger. Hold the door open.
Sing on the worst day of your life. Sing Loud! Out-sing your pain!
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Life isn’t always tied up in a bow, but it’s still a gift.
All that truly matters in this life is love. Spread it and receive it.
Until further notice … celebrate EVERYTHING!
I would love to hear what lessons you have learned on your journey of life.
Xo,
Renata