35 Life lessons from 35 Laps around the Sun

As I celebrate 35 trips around the sun, I find myself reflecting on the journey—the ups, the downs and all the lessons in between. Birthdays are a beautiful time to pause, acknowledge growth and honour not just how far we have come but also where we are being guided.

At 35, I am embracing the wisdom I have gained, the dreams I am pursuing and the goals yet to be set and accomplished.

As C.S. Lewis so beautifully said, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.”

Birthdays are more than cake and candles—they are moments of reflection, gratitude and honouring the path we have walked. There is a rhythm to life when we take the time to recognise where we have been, where we are and where we are going. While age is just a number, the experiences that shape us carry depth and meaning.

For me, turning 35 is an invitation to embrace the lessons life has graced me with so far—both the joyous and the challenging. It is also a moment to look ahead with curiosity and excitement, knowing the journey continues to unfold.

In the spirit of celebration, gratitude and intention, I want to share 35 lessons I have learned—lessons shaped by love, loss, adventure, curiosity and a deep desire to live authentically.

Lessons in Self-Discovery and Growth

The journey of self-discovery is never-ending. Life has a way of peeling back layers, revealing who we are at our core. Here are some truths I have uncovered.

LESSON 1: Your worth is not tied to your productivity—you are enough simply because you exist. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity and is just as important as action.

LESSON 2: Perfection is overrated. It’s in our flaws, quirks, and imperfections that we find beauty, connection, and what makes us truly unique.

LESSON 3: Growth isn’t linear—it’s messy, nonlinear, and often uncomfortable. Sometimes you take two steps forward and one step back, but that’s okay. Embrace the process.

LESSON 4: You are stronger than you think. All the challenges of life have a way of unveiling courage, resilience and strength you were unaware you had.

LESSON 5: Take the leap. Say yes to adventure. Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.

LESSON 6: Dreams evolve, and so do you. Let go of old dreams and goals that no longer align with who you are to make room for new ones.

LESSON 7: It’s never too late to start over. Reinvention is part of being alive, and every ending is a new beginning. Whether it’s a career, a relationship, or a new passion—begin again.

LESSON 8: Celebrate progress over perfection. Growth is a series of small wins that deserve recognition and add up to big changes.

LESSON 9: Trust your intuition—it is your inner compass, guiding you toward what is right for you, even in the moments your mind doesn’t have the answers.

LESSON 10: Be curious about life. Every experience holds a lesson if you’re open to it. Curiosity keeps us open to possibilities, even in the face of uncertainty.

Lessons in Relationships and Connection

Life is a tapestry woven with the threads of relationships. The connections we nurture define our experiences and our sense of belonging.

LESSON 11: Love starts with yourself. The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all others.

LESSON 12: Standards, also known as boundaries, are an act of love. They are not about shutting people out but about choosing to protect your peace and preserve your energy.

LESSON 13: Not everyone will understand you, and that’s okay. You are not for everyone, and everyone is not for you.

LESSON 14: Listen deeply. True listening is a gift that makes others feel valued, seen and heard.

LESSON 15: Quality matters more than quantity in relationships. A few deep connections can fulfill you far more than many shallow ones.

LESSON 16: Forgiveness is freedom. Letting go of grudges clears the path for peace and joy, while holding onto resentment only weighs you down.

LESSON 17: Celebrate the wins of others. Their success does not diminish your own—it creates more abundance for all.

LESSON 18: Kindness costs nothing. Even small acts of compassion ripple outward in ways we can’t imagine.

LESSON 19: Grief is the price of love. Cherish the moments and connections while you have them. Grief is a reflection of the depth of the connection you have lost.

LESSON 20: Love evolves—it deepens, grows, changes, and sometimes requires letting go to make space for all that is ahead.

Lessons in Purpose and Passion

Purpose is not something you find; it’s something you create. It’s about living in alignment with your values and joys.

LESSON 21: Do what lights you up. Your passions are a map to your purpose and living a fulfilling life.

LESSON 22: Purpose isn’t found—it’s created. Build a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values and joys.

LESSON 23. Comparison steals joy. Focus on your own journey instead of measuring against others. Your path is uniquely yours—walk it proudly.

LESSON 24: You are not expected to have it all figured out. Life is a constant evolution. Embrace the uncertainty.

LESSON 25: Your story matters. Sharing your experiences can inspire and uplift others.

LESSON 26: Failure is a stepping stone—every mistake is an opportunity for growth and every setback brings valuable lessons.

LESSON 27: Be open to new dreams. They often arrive disguised as challenges or surprises.

LESSON 28: Your voice matters. Speak your truth—it has the power to spark change.

LESSON 29: Passion can be quiet. It doesn’t have to be grand or loud to be meaningful.

LESSON 30: Celebrate milestones, big and small. They are the markers of your unique journey.

Lessons in Living Fully

Living fully means savouring the beauty of each moment while dreaming boldly about the future.

LESSON 31: Nature heals. Time spent outside is nourishment for the soul.

LESSON 32: Laughter is medicine. Find humour in the absurdity of life as a powerful antidote to stress.

LESSON 33: Be present. The only moment you truly have is the one you are in right now.

LESSON 34: Gratitude shifts everything. Focus on what you have rather than what you lack.

LESSON 35: Live boldly. Take risks, follow your heart and don’t hold back—you are here to experience, love and create.

As I step into this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons of the past while making space for new dreams and goals. C.S. Lewis’s wise words remind me, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.”

At 35, I am embracing the freedom to dream without limits, explore without fear and grow without judgment. Life has shown me that no matter where you are or what age you are, there is always more to discover, create and experience.

This birthday isn’t just a celebration of the years behind me—it’s a celebration of all the possibilities ahead. I know now that life will never stop surprising me. There are still dreams to be dreamed, goals to be set, lessons to be learned and wisdom to be gained. I enter this next chapter with a heart full of gratitude and love, a mind open to possibilities, and a spirit ready for adventure.

Whether you are 35, 65, or 85, life is meant to be lived fully and authentically.

The best is yet to come.

What Are Your Lessons?

If you are reading this, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

What wisdom has life gifted you, and what wisdom have you shared with the world?

What dreams are still waiting to be pursued—those you hold close to your heart?

As you step into your next chapter, what will you carry forward and what new possibilities will you embrace?

Every year, every day, is an opportunity to reflect, grow, and dream. Let’s celebrate the beautiful, wild and unpredictable path of life together.

After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Here’s to 35 years of living, learning, loving and growing—and to all the dreams and lessons yet to come.

Thank you, life, for the journey so far.