The beauty of growing older is that wisdom quietly sneaks in.
I found myself becoming more relaxed and calm, though occasionally swept by moments of melancholy.
I realized how quickly 10 years can pass and I wonder how fast the next 10 will go.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the person I’ve become and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Here are 10 life lessons that hit hard and shaped me:
1. Not Everyone Cares About You the Way You Care About Them
For years, I was the one reaching out, organizing meet-ups, and keeping friendships alive
Until I stopped doing it.
I was sick of being THAT person.
I wondered: If people truly care, won’t they contact me?
Well, well, well… long story short: my social circle shrank, and my calendar became lighter.
But there’s a silver lining in that — it showed me who genuinely values my presence. And that’s worth so much more.
2. There Are No Mistakes
If I could go back in time, would I change anything? Probably not.
Every choice I made felt right in that moment based on my knowledge and experience.
This is exactly what it’s all about.
Gaining experience. Gaining knowledge. On situations, people, and circumstances.
So don’t beat yourself up about something you did in the past, see those moments as lessons that shaped who you are today.
From this point forward, you’ll make different decisions with the wisdom you’ve gained.
3. Your Comfort Zone Is Your Prison
Things don’t change if you do what you always do.
Growth happens when you step into the unknown.
Surround yourself with new people and new situations. Learn, try out different things, be open-minded, grow.
For me, this meant moving countries, working all different kinds of jobs, and being amazed at how much fun it is to work on a farm!
Embrace discomfort; it’s where life happens.
“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty
4. Protect Your Inner Peace
It doesn’t matter what other people think or say about you.
What truly matters is how you feel and what you believe. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life, so make decisions that align with your values.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Don’t please others just to be liked by them.
For me, protecting my peace also means limiting time on social media. Comparing my life to others isn’t healthy or productive, so I choose to focus on my own journey.
5. Don’t Judge Others
It’s easy to make snap judgments about people based on appearances or brief encounters. Resist that urge.
Treat everyone with respect, and you’ll find they often return that same respect.
You never know what the other person is going through.
Be kind and offer help.
6. Learn To Love The Process, Not The End Goal
The key to happiness is learning to love the journey.
If you hate the process, reaching the goal will feel empty.
Embrace the challenges, celebrate small wins, and take joy in figuring things out.
When you focus on the process, you’re truly living, not just chasing.
7. Maintain Healthy Habits
Maintaining healthy habits is so important. They make life so much more enjoyable down the track.
Here are the ones that work for me:
- Practicing self-care
- Eating clean
- Moving daily
- Finding a good balance between work & personal interests
- Stopping to multi-task
- Setting boundaries with myself and others
- Prioritizing sleep
- Prioritizing my mental health
- Taking breaks when needed
- Reducing alcohol intake
These habits aren’t just for now — they’re investments in my future self.
8. Persistence Is Key
If you’re passionate about something, stick with it.
Create a routine that makes you work toward your goal consistently.
Doing just a little task every day is better than doing nothing.
Persistence pays off — taking small, consistent steps every day adds up over time.
9. You’re the Master of Your Life
It’s easy to blame others for your misery.
Understand that you’re in control — you have the power to change things if you aren’t happy.
It might not be easy or comfortable, but there’s always a way to turn your life around.
I live by this motto: ‘Love it, change it, or leave it.’
So instead of complaining, take action.
10. Be Grateful
Ambition is great, but don’t forget to pause and appreciate what you already have. Gratitude keeps you grounded.
Be thankful for life’s basics — shelter, food, clean water, and peace. These are luxuries for many people around the world.
Stay humble, celebrate your journey, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Gratitude is the key to finding joy, no matter where you are in life.
How About Your Life Lessons?
These 10 life lessons remind me how far I’ve come, and I hope they resonate with you too.
Life is a journey, and every step — big or small — is worth celebrating.
What lessons have you learned over the past decade? I’d love to hear!
About The Author
Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.
Find out more about her here or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.
