I cannot believe another year is almost over…  (one more thing my mom was right about)!  What a year it has been.  If someone would have told me on January 1, 2013 that I would own a business, doing what I love to do, in an amazing location, I would have thought they were insane!  Funny how life works!  In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny”.  While this year started out as a formidable challenge… it is leaving me feeling excited, grateful and blessed.

I wanted to put into writing things I’ve learned the year I turned 40.  I am going to share these bits of wisdom with my children.  I am hopeful that if they glean just one tiny bit it will help them to live a better life.  So here goes… Forty Things I Wish I Had Known Before Turning 40!  No groaning… I am breaking this down into a 4 part series.  Let’s be real, I can’t even pay attention long enough to read my own list much less expect you to!

1. Other people are more concerned about their own (bad hair, giant pimple, extra 5lbs, etc.) to notice your (bad hair, giant pimple, extra 5lbs)!  This is a fact and in knowing it you can alleviate much unnecessary angst!

2.  Self Confidence is THE KEY!!!  If you find yourself struggling reread number 1!  It usually takes time to learn the skill that is self-confidence… until then, Fake It Until You Make It!

3.  Right or wrong, you are judged within seconds of a first meeting.  Present the impression you wish to portray.  I cannot express this enough!  This is why numbers 1&2 are so important.

4. All friendships are not created equal, and that is ok.

5. Always work towards self-improvement.  It is never too late to learn a new skill or embark on an adventure.  I mean I put my first website together (really?) seriously I was  the girl that couldn’t change the ink in my printer until 6 months ago… embarrassing but true.

6. Do not EVER make assumptions about people.  Given number 3 this is a very difficult tip to follow.  Try to resist hasty opinions about others… you never know what they are experiencing and chances are it has NOTHING to do with you.

7. While on this topic, be willing to make the first move in meeting people.  Chances are they are just as scared to meet new people as you are.

8. If you want to be the hit of the party, stop talking and listen.  People LOVE, LOVE, LOVE talking about themselves.  Ask questions, listen to the answers.  I love this because I am not a huge talker when it comes to people I don’t know very well (my friends can stop laughing) so I enjoy hearing what others have to say.  This is also a great way to learn of new restaurants, movies, events, etc.

9. “Birds of a feather flock together” indeed!  Studies have shown that you are the average of the 5 people you hang around the most.  Choose wisely!

10. Always be the duck!  People only see what you choose to show them.  You can be paddling like crazy beneath the water but if you appear calm, cool and collected no one will suspect otherwise!