Things I have discovered and rediscovered in my 40's

It's 2018 and I will be 42 this year. FORTY-TWO. I have loved and lost (including myself), went through career lows and highs, lost friends, gained new ones, took more risks than I ever would have expected, and risen like a phoenix out of tragedies that some people may not have mentally survived.  As a way of returning to my blog, I want to share 20 things I picked up along the way:

1. I am strong.
2. I am beautiful and it is okay for me to say that out loud...to actual people.
3. I have a voice and I am not afraid to use it.
4. Being a better friend to myself has drawn greater opportunities.
5. Everyone can't go with you.
6. It's okay to say 'no'.
7. I will continue to wear red lipstick, jeans, chucks, glitter, a tutu and anything else I please. I do what I want.
8. I'm not a quitter, but I know when to stop.
9. Everything doesn't require my attention or a reaction.
10. If you don't like something, change it.
11. Anyone who tries to discourage you from doing something they aren't brave enough to do is not worth your joy. Fear is not wisdom.
12.  Listen.
13. Trust your intuition.
14. Fear is a waste of the imagination.
15. I don't want kids and I'm not less of a woman for it. Society cannot and will not determine my worth.
16. It's never too late to try new things.
17. I'm a nerd and that's awesome.
18. Stay calm.
19. Appreciate where you are instead of longing for where you think you should be.
20. Breathe. 

I plan on exploring each of these things and sharing how what these lessons mean to me. I hope you enjoy.