As I wake up today on my 50th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the lessons that have shaped my life. Some I’ve learned through joy, others through struggle, but all have led me to a deeper understanding of myself and the world. If I could go back and share a few words of wisdom with my younger self—or anyone walking a similar path—this is what I’d say.
On Life and Purpose
1. Life is fleeting. Don’t waste time on things that don’t nourish your soul.
2. Happiness is not a destination. It’s found in the small, ordinary moments.
3. Your purpose isn’t a job title. It’s how you make people feel and the impact you leave.
4. You are allowed to reinvent yourself. In fact, you should—many times over.
5. The best things in life aren’t things. They’re laughter, love, and shared experiences.
On Self-Care and Well-Being
6. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how you show up as your best self for others.
7. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Rest is productive.
8. Move your body because you love it, not because you hate it.
9. Food is fuel and medicine. Treat it with respect.
10. Quality sleep is life-changing. Protect it like a treasure.
On Love and Relationships
11. Love should feel safe, not like a rollercoaster.
12. The right people will love you for who you are, not who you try to be.
13. Communication is everything. Say what you mean and listen with your heart.
14. Friendships should feel easy. Forced connections are simply not worth keeping. Not at 50.
15. Forgiveness is the gift you give yourself. Letting go of resentment sets you free.
On Parenting and Family
16. Your kids need your presence more than your perfection.
17. Apologizing to your children teaches them strength, not weakness. I believe in this wholeheartedly.
18. You will never regret prioritizing your family.
19. Teenagers still need their parents. They just won’t always admit it.
20. Traditions matter. They become the memories your children hold onto.
On Career and Success
21. Your job is not your identity. Work is what you do, not who you are.
22. Success without fulfillment isn’t success at all. Chase meaning, not just money.
23. Saying ‘no’ to the wrong opportunities makes space for the right ones.
24. Take risks. The biggest regrets come from not trying.
25. Comparison is the thief of joy. Your journey is uniquely yours.
On Growth and Mindset
26. Every setback holds a lesson. Don’t waste your failures—learn from them. Or as the saying goes, ‘fail forward.’
27. Growth is uncomfortable. If it feels easy, you’re not evolving.
28. You don’t have to believe every thought you think. Challenge negative self-talk.
29. Gratitude shifts everything. Focus on what you have, not what you lack.
30. You are stronger than you think. Every hardship you’ve faced proves it. Remember, you’ve made it through 100% of your bad days.
On Letting Go and Moving Forward
31. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life. Appreciate the time they were meant for.
32. Closure is something you give yourself. Don’t wait for it from others.
33. Letting go of perfection opens the door to joy. Amen!
34. Change is the only constant. Embrace it rather than resist it. Trying to go with the current instead of against it, is a good way to live.
35. Trust the timing of your life. Everything unfolds as it’s meant to. I say this without any hesitation.
On Joy and Living Fully
36. Celebrate every win—big or small.
37. Make time for play. Life is too short to take everything so seriously.
38. Dance, even if you’re bad at it.
39. Sing out loud. Even if you’re off-key.
40. Say yes to adventure. Memories are made outside your comfort zone.
On Wisdom and Aging
41. Aging is a privilege. Embrace every wrinkle, every gray hair. I am really trying. I think I’m doing alright in the acceptance department.
42. You are never too old to try something new. (Hello, drumming at 49!)
43. Confidence comes from knowing yourself, not seeking approval.
44. Your intuition is powerful. Trust it.
45. Don’t waste energy on what people think of you. Most of the time, they aren’t thinking about you at all.
On Love, Belief, and the Big Picture
46. Love is the most powerful force on earth. Lead with it.
47. Miracles happen every day. Pay attention.
48. Faith and trusting in the Universe will carry you through life’s storms.
49. At the end of the day, kindness is what matters most.
50. Live fully, love deeply, and leave the world better than you found it.
Fifty years have taught me that life is beautifully messy, wonderfully unpredictable, and breathtakingly fleeting. If there’s one lesson that stands above all the rest, it’s this: don’t wait to live the life you want. Every moment is an opportunity to choose joy, embrace growth, and love fiercely.
And as I wrote on Instagram…
Woke up 50 today.
It’s a big number. One that feels… grounding. A little wild. A little surreal.
And yet, here I am—grateful, wide awake, and deeply alive.
Fifty years of growing, learning, loving, breaking, healing, evolving, rising. Of trying to get it right, and learning just as much when I got it wrong. Of chasing big dreams, creating beautiful things, and navigating the mess in between.
There’s a kind of confidence that comes at 50—a quiet, bold knowing of who you are and what you no longer have to tolerate. There’s peace in that. Power in that.
If you’re younger, let me be proof that it only gets better when you own your voice and honor your truth.
If you’re older, I’m watching you and learning from you every step of the way.
So today, I’m not shrinking from this number—I’m celebrating it. I’ve earned every one of these 50 years.
Here’s to the next 50!
With gratitude,
Love this!!! And happy birthday! Thank you for sharing wisdom!
Happy 50th Birthday Erica! You have accomplished alot in your first 50 years! Imagine what’s next! Thank you for sharing this lovely compilation of your wisdom, it’s all true. I am grateful for you and all the treasures you have shared that make my life easier and happier. Thank you.
Carolyn