Life Lessons Learned and Life Lessons Quotes (Birthday Post)
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Table of Contents
It’s my birthdayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!
It’s my birthhdayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!
What better way to start the day than sharing with you all 34 Life Lessons Learned at 34 so far. Life is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth, filled with valuable lessons learned along the way. As I approach different milestones, such as the age of 34, it is natural to reflect on the experiences that have shaped me and the lessons that have brought me wisdom.
I also decided to add these life lesson quotes because I think they are great and gives better context to the topic.
1.Time is Precious
One of the most profound life lessons learned for me is learning the importance and the value of time. I feel that as I was growing up I would have taken this for granted. As we grow older though, we start to realize that time is finite and must be spent wisely. Now at 34, I understand the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing our passions, or investing in personal growth, time is a valuable resource that we must cherish.
”The key is not spending time, but investing it.”
— Stephen R. Covey
2. Embrace Failure
I have started to learn to embrace failure. Life is not a linear path of success; it is peppered with failures and setbacks. At this age many have come to understand that failure is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth, myself included. Embracing failure allows me to learn from my mistakes, build resilience, and develop the courage to try again. It’s as simple as that.
“It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.”
—J.K Rowling
3. To Take Care of my Physical and Mental Health
At 34 I have started to realize that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. As I have been aging, as well as with becoming a mother, I become increasingly aware of the importance of taking care of both my physical and mental health. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient rest (one I struggle with to this day), and practices such as mindfulness contribute to overall well-being.
“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos- the trees, the clouds, everything.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
4. To Nurture Meaningful Relationships
Overtime I have experienced the power of relationships and how they have shaped my life. I have come to understand that meaningful connections with family and friends are the foundation of happiness and emotional support. Investing time and effort in nurturing these relationships has become more of a priority for me.
“A loving relationship is one in which the loved one is free to be himself — to laugh with me, but never at me; to cry with me, but never because of me; to love life, to love himself, to love being loved. Such a relationship is based upon freedom and can never grow in a jealous heart.”
— Leo F. Buscaglia
5. Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
Through life’s experiences, I have started to develop a deeper understanding of myself. I believe I struggled a bit with this for some time. But at this age whoooo, at 34, ha, what you see is what you get, take it or leave it. I have recognized the significance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Embracing our strengths and weaknesses allows us to make more informed decisions and fosters a sense of inner peace.
“Self-awareness is the ability to take an honest look at your life without any attachment to it being right or wrong, good or bad.”
— Debbie Ford
6. Embracing Change
Life is dynamic, and change is inevitable. Another one of maybe the biggest life lessons learned at 34 is the importance of embracing change and being adaptable. Flexibility and openness to new experiences enable us to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience. I never had much of a problem with experiences and being able to adapt in some situations, but when you have a planner personality and everything goes the opposite direction that can spell disaster. However I have learned to accept and embrace change and as a wise one said to be: ‘you played netball, just pivot, things won’t always go your way’ lol.
“A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.”
—Chinese Proverb
7. Financial Planning and Budgeting
As we enter our 30s, and for some a lot earlier our financial responsibility becomes way more apparent. Along the way one of life lessons learned was to know and understand the significance of financial planning, budgeting, and saving for the future. Ultimately developing healthy financial habits leads to long-term stability and ultimately reduces financial stress, and who wants that unnecessary stress.
”Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
— Ayn Rand
8. Lifelong Learning
Education doesn’t stop at formal education, the older I get the more I appreciate continuous learning, but being so multi passionate it can be hard sometimes as it relates to focusing on one thing at time with so much access to information. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, exploring different subjects, or staying updated on industry trends, lifelong learning helps to keep me intellectually engaged and adaptable.
“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.”
— Robert E. Lee
9. Practice Gratitude
Another one of life lessons I have learned over the years is where I have begun to recognize the power of gratitude and how it can shape my mindset. Man I wish I realized this from I was extremely young. I mean not that I didn’t have gratitude but I struggle with a lot of negativity now and it is gratitude that has been helping me on that journey, so I feel like it is a different level of gratitude as the older I get I look at things differently. Cultivating gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what we have, fostering contentment and a positive outlook on life.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
— Oprah Winfrey
10. Setting Boundaries
This one!!! Learning to set boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being, although I have realized that this too can break relationships as not everyone can accept your boundaries, and guess what, that is ok too. I am 100% sure that by the age of 34, we have likely experienced instances where setting clear boundaries has led to healthier dynamics in our personal and professional lives moreso than negatively affecting it.
“You have to love and respect yourself enough to not let people use and abuse you. You have to set boundaries and keep them, let people clearly know how you won’t tolerate to be treated, and let them know how you expect to be treated.”
— Jeanette Coron
11. Cultivating Empathy and Compassion
Understanding the feelings and perspectives of others is a valuable skill that we develop with age. By the time I got to my 30’s or before that, I started to understand the significance of empathy and compassion in building meaningful connections and fostering understanding. Sometimes it’s hard but over time it all becomes a lot easier.
”Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.”
— Sterling K. Brown
12. The Power of Saying No
Saying no when something doesn’t align with our values or priorities is a skill that we often learn the hard way. At 34, I have come to understand that setting boundaries and saying no when necessary is not selfish but essential for self-care. Now I say no without overthinking it. Trust me too that ability to say NO is everything! I know this may kind of come in with boundaries but I want each lesson to be broken down.
”A ‘no’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘yes’ uttered merely to please – or worse; to avoid trouble.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
13. Embracing Imperfections
By 34, I have realized that no one is perfect, and that’s okay. Embracing my imperfections and accepting that it’s a natural part of being human allows us to be more authentic and relatable to others. Not just my imperfections but also others.
”To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
14. Investing in Experiences
As I continue to age, I realize that experiences hold more value than material possessions. I have now prioritized investing in experiences that create lasting memories and enrich our lives. I always tell people the best gift you can gift me is an experience. I love food, travel, fun and adventure, heck it’s why I started my blog in the first place.
”The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
15. The Power of Forgiveness
I have definitely seen my fair share of hurt and disappointment over the years. Learning to forgive others and myself have definitely liberated me from carrying all levels of unnecessary burdens and it allows me to move forward with a sense of renewed compassion.
”We ask for forgiveness. And we forgive others who ask us. In that way we can experience healing, healing in our souls.”
— Ed Dobsons
16. Embracing Diversity
Over the years I have been exposed to a diverse range of individuals and cultures because of my job. I have come to understand, appreciate and somewhat accept the beauty of diversity and different perspectives, which enriches and makes me look at things in different ways along with understanding the world a bit better.
”Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
— Stephen Covey
17. Goal Setting and Planning
At 34, I have now learned the importance of setting realistic goals and creating actionable plans to achieve them. If you know me I kind of think of myself as a serial planner, I plan down to the meals I am going to cook for the week. I have experienced the satisfaction of accomplishing goals that I have worked diligently towards but it can also be tricky when these goals are not met.
“In order to know where you’re headed, you must be aware of your own personal goals.”
— Brian Cagneey
18. The Journey is as Important as the Destination
While success and achievements are gratifying, the journey towards our goals holds its own significance. I am definitely not where I would like to be however at 34 I have come to appreciate the growth and lessons I am learning throughout my daily life.
. “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
— Lao Tzu
19. The Art of Patience
From I was younger I always heard the saying that patience is a virtue. As I have been getting older have experienced situations where patience has been essential in achieving my desired outcomes. To add to that, having a child really helps you with patience. I used to be super impatient, not saying I am not anymore but I have definitely improved thanks to my daughter and being more mindful.
“To lose patience is to lose the battle.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
20. Unplugging from Technology
The digital age has brought with it many benefits, but it can also lead to constant connectivity and information overload. By the age of 34, I have definitely recognized the value of unplugging from technology to foster mindfulness and focus on the present moment however some people are not big fans of this new strategy I have implemented for myself but I know why I do it. I even did a post a few weeks ago about digital detoxing and it’s importance.
“Being connected to everything has disconnected us from ourselves and the preciousness of this present moment.”
— L.M Browning
21. Seeking Feedback
As I continue to mature, I understand that seeking feedback and constructive criticism can contribute significantly to my personal and professional development. I am very open to learning from others and using feedback to improve as best as I can.
”It takes humility to seek feedback. It takes wisdom to understand it, analyze it and appropriately act on it.”
— Stephen Covey
22. Parenting is Quite and Experience
As for parenting, it has been one of the hardest but best thing I have ever done in my entire life! lol I would neve change it for the world though. It has taught me so many things over the past couple of years, patience and a different love like no other.
If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.”
— Eckhart Tolle
23. Cherishing Moments
As I continue to age, I am learning to cherish the moments I share with loved ones. By the age of 34, I believe that I now understand the significance of making memories and savoring each precious moment. Which goes back to what I said about being present.
” The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.”
Thomas S. Monson
24. Giving Back
Over the years I have experienced the joy of giving back and helping others. Whether through volunteering, acts of kindness, or supporting charitable causes, giving back brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This is something I will continue doing as it makes a big difference.
”As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
— Audrey Hepburn
25. Trusting Intuition
With age comes the wisdom of trusting our intuition and gut instincts. By 34, we understand the value of listening to our inner voice in making decisions.
“A woman knows by intuition, or instinct, what is best for herself.”
— Marilyn Monroe
26. Embrace everything
Life often presents me with situations beyond my control and that can be very tricky when I am someone who likes to be in control of my life. So far at 34, I have slowly been learning how to embrace and feel all the feelings.
“The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it.”
—Nicholas Sparks
27. The Power of Proactivity
As I continue to mature, I recognize the significance of being proactive and taking initiative. I have experienced the rewards of being proactive in various aspects of life and will continue to be.
You need to be proactive, carve out time in your schedule, and take responsibility for being the healthiest person you can be – no one else is going to do it for you.
— Mehmet Oz
28. Setting Realistic Expectations
Another one of the life lessons learned or still learning at 34 is that I understand that setting realistic expectations for myself and others leads to healthier relationships and a more balanced life. This took me some time to really get to but trust me when you know who or what the situation is you can tweak your expectations accordingly.
Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life.
— Marilu Henner
29. Importance of Practicing Mindfulness
Not that far in it, but I have been journaling for a couple of months now and just working on being more mindful in everything and mannnn has it made a huge difference in my life. I have become more aware of the benefits of practicing mindfulness. By this time I have discovered the positive impact of being present in the moment and cultivating mindfulness practices.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
— Thich Nhat Hang
30. Developing Resilience
Life’s challenges can test our patience and resilience. At 34 though, I believe I have developed some coping mechanisms that allow me to bounce back stronger after facing adversity, and trust I have faced quite a bit, more so in the last couple of year.
. “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”
— Steve Maraboli
31. The Value of Active Listening
I have accepted and understood the importance of active listening in building and fostering deeper connections with others. Listening attentively allows me to now understand and empathize more with experiences.
“There is as much wisdom in listening as there is in speaking – and that goes for all relationships, not just romantic ones.”
—– Daniel Dae Kim
32. The Beauty of Simplicity
As I get older, I have been appreciating the beauty of simplicity in life. This for me was never a huge challenge as this is my personality however I have went even more into simplicity with this minimalist approach in different areas of my life and really focusing on what and who really matter and I love it.
“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
—Coco Chanel
33. Embracing Alone Time
Now between working from home and just being an introvert, this was never a challenge for me, however I have learned to embrace it even more, because it is this time that I use to deeper reflect and grow these days. Solitude can provide clarity and a deeper understanding of ourselves. What I have learned about myself…..I am complicated as hell.
— Tamim Ansary
“We need solitude, because when we’re alone, we’re free from obligations, we don’t need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.”
34. Celebrating Achievements
At 34, I have realized we have all likely accomplished various milestones and achievements whether big or small. But sometimes I forget that it is ok to celebrate the wins no matter how small. Learning to celebrate our successes and acknowledging our growth reinforces a positive mindset and self-confidence. You would never believe how I celebrate my small wins, it could be a beach, restaurant or just playing video game all night one night lol.
“Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”
— Nicholas M. Butler
I know some of these sound a bit repetitve but I separated them to stress the emphasis in some areas.
Life is a journey of growth, discovery, and wisdom, and the lessons we learn along the way shape us into the individuals we become. As we approach the age of 34, we have acquired valuable insights that encompass personal growth, relationships, success, and well-being. Each lesson contributes to our personal evolution and enables us to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and wisdom. Embracing these lessons with an open heart allows us to embrace the ever-evolving adventure of life with grace and gratitude.
See here for additional Life Lessons Learned Quotes.
If you are looking to improve your routines and lifestyle check out this post on Great Morning Routine Ideas for Everyone in 2023
Life Lessons Learned, Life Lessons, Life Lessons Quotes, At 34
