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40 things I learned in life

I turned 40 this year and compiled a list of lessons I've learned along the road.

Laura Linmar

Jun 11, 2022

Once you’ve lived in more than one country for some time, it’s hard to feel a sense of belonging to any one country or culture.
If you have a good idea, write it down immediately, otherwise, you’ll just forget it.
When seeking advice, look for it from different people and not the same ones constantly.
Not all friendships will last a lifetime, some are best left to fade away.
Who you think you are at 20 years old, is very likely not who you’ll be at 40.
Being a great cook is an amazing life skill.
Spend as much time as possible with your aging parents, they’ll be gone before you know it and you’ll miss them dearly.
Modern-day feminism is a scam.
No, women cannot have it all, meaning successful careers, marriage, and kids. At least, not at the same time (And that’s ok).
Renting a house is equivalent to throwing money down the drain. Buy when possible.
There’s a time period for learning multiple languages, do it sooner rather than later.
Working out and being fit is not a finish line you ever get to, but a way of living that should accompany you all your life.
Sometimes the best display of kindness is to ignore someone.
Self-discipline is one of the best qualities you can have and it beats motivation.
You are what you do, not what you say you will do.
Drink more water. The vast majority of people are dehydrated.
Look people in the eyes when talking to them.
Being able to cook rice to perfection is an undervalued skill.
Wine is overrated.
A day at the beach can solve many problems.
It’s ok to not have a specific “favorite book/music/artist”.
Men and masculinity should be more appreciated by women and society.
You don’t have to lie or pretend to accommodate someone else’s ideas.
Traveling to other countries will shape your identity as few things can.
There’s no greater love than what you will feel for your children.
Read a few pages of a book every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
Consider two possible career paths, you might want to change jobs at some point in life. Be prepared.
Constantly telling kids they are so special and unique is a disservice to them.
Master the ability to distinguish trends from tried and true classics.
My parents were right about 85% of the advice they gave. Took me some years to admit it.
Mom jeans and biker shorts look horrible on everyone, regardless of your body type, and should never have made a comeback.
There’s immense value in old age wisdom.
Learn to accept compliments with a simple “thank you”.
Arrogance and self-centeredness are the most off-putting qualities.
Start saving money early on, even if just a small amount every month.
You can’t change everyone, nor should you want to. Their path doesn’t necessarily have to coincide with yours.
You don’t have to take sides on a topic you’re uncertain about or unfamiliar with, it’s ok to simply say you don’t know.
Discussing things with a nuanced view is a sign of intelligence.
Be humble about what you know and especially about what you don’t know.
No matter where you are in life, remember there is always someone who’s worst off than you, and also someone who’s better off. Your journey is your own, make the best of it.