Today is my birthday. I’m now 37 years old.
I’m not entirely sure how it happened but I appear to have entered my late thirties. Three years off the big 4-0.
And it feels good.
I spent much of my twenties deeply unhappy. My thirties have been a turning point for me. I’m now happier in my own skin. And although I still have days when I struggle, I know what I need to do to make myself feel better and to put a smile on my face.
In the past year or so, my attitude to birthdays has shifted. I now welcome them. Not everyone gets the privilege of seeing their 37th birthday. And I realise that getting older is something to embrace and to celebrate.
It’s also a time to look back at how far I have come in my life. There is no doubt, that I am very different from the person I was on my 27th birthday. And I don’t think I would even recognise the 17 year-old Lucy.
My life experiences have helped me gain some knowledge about how the world works. And I’ve learnt how I need to live my life so that I can be as happy and content as possible.
As this is my birthday, I thought that I’d share this limited and very subjective wisdom with you, my dear readers.
Inspired by You Baby Me Mummy’s 38 lessons for 38 years, here are my 37 lessons for 37 years.
37 Lessons for 37 Years
1. ALWAYS read the book before the film.
2. There is huge power in a smile.
3. NEVER date a man just because he looks like Wolverine. It will end badly.
4. Follow your heart and trust your instincts.
5. True friends are those that love and support you through good times and bad.
6. Sometimes you just need to allow yourself to be.
7. Every birthday is a blessing. Celebrate it!
8. There is ALWAYS room for dessert.
9. The greatest sound in the world is the laughter of your child.
10. Remember to breathe.
11. Sleep is the best healer.
12. There are NEVER enough hours in the day.
13. The world can be cruel but it can also be truly beautiful. Learn to appreciate the beauty.
14. You can’t control what happens in your life but you can control your reaction to it.
15. You may lust over bad boys. But you’ll want your partner and the father of your children to be a kind and good man.
16. Wear sunscreen.
17. NEVER put eye liner on when drunk. It will end badly.
18. There is ALWAYS something to live for.
19. Women are a force to be reckoned with when they have one another’s backs and offer one another unconditional support.
20. ALWAYS treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.
21. Other people will always have opinions on how you should be living your life. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with them.
22. Wear clothes that make you feel happy.
23. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
24. Be kind to yourself.
25. Diamonds are made under great pressure. The hard times in life will make you strong and will make you shine.
26. Wearing a floaty skirt on a windy day is NEVER a good idea.
27. NEVER talk about religion or politics with people you love.
28. No one has a perfect life.
29. Your child gives the best cuddles in the world.
30. Everyone deserves to be loved.
31. Choose your words carefully.
32. Dancing to Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off with your daughter can be the most fun you will ever have.
33. Marry your best friend.
34. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.
35. People change but don’t try to change people.
36. Do one thing everyday that makes you happy.
37. Remember there is only one you and you are extraordinary.
Are there any lessons that you think need to be added to this list?
Hugs
Lucy
xxxx
39 Comments
liza
October 9, 2017 at 12:47 pmBrilliant advice. Love them all… also intrigued about Wolverine
daneen rogers
August 19, 2017 at 8:05 pmLucyyyyyyyyyyyy I just stumbled across this on Twitter and I was like uh, girl stole my post–then I noticed you created this in 2015! I promise I didn’t steal yours! LOL I actually wrote one in May and just published this month (my birthday month) 50 life lessons learned in 50 years! If you want to check it out: https://www.athomewithdaneen.com/50-little-life-lessons I love yours, and agree with them all, 100%!
RawMum
May 8, 2017 at 8:17 amBrilliant advice. Love them all… also intrigued about Wolverine
Hannah
March 16, 2017 at 2:17 pmWhat a lovely post!
And are you sure about the never date a man just because he looks like wolverine?!?
Lol.
Happy birthday btw, I hope you had a lovely day x
Brittany | A Mindful Geek
March 11, 2017 at 7:47 pmThis is wonderful. I really enjoyed number 14, You can’t control what happens in your life but you can control your reaction to it. I need to practice allowing things to just be and controlling how I react. What a great post. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Jo
February 17, 2017 at 7:52 pmLove your post – my only addition would be your child’s giggle is always infectious – give in. Despite your mood it will make yoy feel amazing x
Harriet
January 18, 2017 at 3:52 pmI love this, great post!
Mrs H
January 18, 2017 at 9:25 pmAwwww, thank you so much. Hugs Lucy xxxx
Morgan Prince
October 11, 2015 at 8:34 amLove, love, love this post! Number 1 just made me smile, I totally agree. And number 16 made me think of the song – I can’t think of the name of it but it’s the one where the guy is giving advice. 🙂 Great post. #DiffLinky
Julia @ Rainbeaubelle
October 9, 2015 at 7:56 amAh I love this, so many good life lessons here and I really like the diamond one! I think we are like fine wines, getting better as we mature! x Julia #sundaystars
Katie
October 8, 2015 at 10:02 pmJust popping over from #sundaystars Thanks for linking up love xxx
Caro | The Twinkles Mama
October 8, 2015 at 3:50 pmWhat a fabulous list. Just LOOK at all the amazing things you’ve learnt over the years! Loved 9, 15 and 19. I subscribe to all of those 😉 Hope you had an amazing birthday lovely girl — you really deserved it xxxx
Mrs H
October 7, 2015 at 6:55 pmOh, thank you. I think that is the nicest comment that I have ever had. You made me a little teary. And I still stand by my Wolverine point. It only leads to heartbreak and needing to invest in lots of waterproof mascara and tissues. Thanks for your gorgeous comment. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
teacuptoria
October 5, 2015 at 5:46 amSome lovely tips here Lucy! I once wore a floaty dress to a christening and the reception afterwards was outside. I spent most of the time clutching at it with one hand and a drink in the other! Hope you’re doing ok lovely xx
Jess Soothill
October 4, 2015 at 6:04 pmHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! You gorgeous lady! 🙂 I love this. What a super list and fab idea!!!! Especially “Be kind to yourself” – so true. Really enjoyed reading this. Hope you enjoy your birthday celebrations and were spoiled 🙂 xxxx
#sundaystars
Potty Mouthed Mummy
October 2, 2015 at 9:31 amHope you had a gorgeous birthday lovely lady! I have one not too far in the future and aside from a little wobble leading up to my 30th, I completely agree they should be celebrated. I love this list. I had a giggle at some, especially no3 and nodded furiously to others xx
Mrs H
October 2, 2015 at 9:25 pmThanks for the lovely comment, gorgeous lady. I am glad you liked me list. Seriously, dating a Wolverine look alike leads to lots of heartache. He may be manly and lovely looking but he has issues! Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Mini Travellers
October 2, 2015 at 6:20 amLove love love this list Lucy. Hope you had a lovely birthday too. I agree with so many of these gorgeous lady. I have your back!
Mrs H
October 2, 2015 at 9:29 pmThanks for your comment, wonderful Karen. I am so glad that many of these rung true to you. I have your back too. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Karen (@karenjwhitlock)
October 1, 2015 at 8:32 amVery wise words lovely. Hope you had a fab birthday. Lots of love and hugs x x x
Mrs H
October 2, 2015 at 9:28 pmThanks lovely. I do sound wise at times, don’t I? Thanks for the birthday wishes too. I had a lovely day. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Kat | Beau Twins
October 1, 2015 at 5:18 amLucy gorgeous lady this is just super stunning. Another beautiful piece written by a beautiful lady inside and out. You are a true inspiration and one wise lady. I’m blessed to call you my friend. Sending you the biggest hug and kiss. Xxxx
Mrs H
October 2, 2015 at 9:27 pmThis is the loveliest comment ever. Thank you gorgeous. I am so lucky to have you as a friend too. Massive hugs Mrs H xxxx
Katie LifeonVistaStreet Haydock
September 30, 2015 at 10:17 pm*Sob* Loves you and loves this post Mrs H!
I blubbered… until I got to number 17! Solid, sober advice!
I hope you had a birthday that is as special as you! xx
Mrs H
October 2, 2015 at 9:22 pmThanks for your gorgeous comment lovely. I loves you too. Sorry that I made you blub. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely
September 30, 2015 at 9:44 pmNo good can ever, ever come from dating a Wolverine-alike. And dancing to Taylor Swift is one of life’s great pleasure! I think I might have to do 40 at 40. And try not to cry about the fact that I’m turning 40.
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:48 pmDon’t cry lovely. I would love to read your 40 at 40 post. And I am so glad you agree with the advice about avoiding Wolverine look alikes. I thought that would resonate with you. Thanks for your gorgeous comment. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
everything Mummy
September 30, 2015 at 9:44 pmGreat list Lucy and some fab tips never apply eye liner when drunk is a huge one you will end up with a second eyebrow!!!! xx
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:46 pmHa ha! Yeah, sadly I ended up wearing an eye patch and having to endure two weeks of Mr H doing pirate impressions. Fun it wasn’t! Thanks for your lovely comment gorgeous lady. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Sarah christie
September 30, 2015 at 9:21 pmI love this all such wonderful advice and so true, and ha ha I will remember never to put eye liner on when drunk x
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:39 pmThanks lovely. It is a very important piece of advice. It was rather embarrassing waiting in A&E because I had damaged my eye by drunkenly putting an eye liner pencil in it. Oh well, at least my eye make up looked good. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Jenna
September 30, 2015 at 9:05 pmTRUTH!!! 🙂
Love this post, Mrs H – you are very wise and I love these little nuggets of advice and knowledge. 🙂
Hope you had an amazing birthday and well done for embracing it. I don’t like it when people dread their birthdays. Like you said, we should feel privileged for every year we get to spend on this earth. xx
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:40 pmThanks lovely lady. I agree totally. Life is precious and we should be so grateful for every year that goes by. Not everyone gets to celebrate reaching 37 candles on the cake. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Katie
September 30, 2015 at 9:02 pmAww, I missed your birthday! I’m sorry love, happy belated birthday from me, I hope you had a lovely day?
This is a fab list,I would add ‘savour the small things’ sometimes it’s the memories of the quiet moments, the little things, that are the sweetest xxx
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:42 pmThanks lovely. I had a great day. Lunch with my bestie and then dinner cooked by Mr H. I totally agree with savour the small things. It is at the most unexpected times that the most wonderful but little things can happen. Thanks for your comment love. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
You Baby Me Mummy
September 30, 2015 at 8:39 pmSuch fabulous lessons huni. Happy Birthday, I hope you were spoiled xxx
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:42 pmThanks lovely lady. I was spoiled. Thanks for providing the inspiration and for writing such a wonderful list yourself. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Katie Heels and Hooves
September 30, 2015 at 8:31 amI nodded along to each and every one of these. What a lovely post. Happy birthday to you. One I would add that has been pertinent since my daughter arrived is to live in the moment sometimes and not to always be thinking about what you need to do next, particularly important when you are enjoying those cuddles from your children xx
Mrs H
September 30, 2015 at 9:45 pmThanks for your lovely comment and birthday wishes. To live in the moment is so important. It is something that I really stuggle with. But I am trying to do more and more. We can’t control the future so we should savour the present. Hugs Mrs H xxxx