I turned 49 yesterday and for the first time in my adult life, I’m did… absolutely nothing. And it was pure bliss.
No big plans, no meetings, just a full day off.
And here’s the magic: I didn’t have to ask anyone.
I didn’t file a holiday form.
I just… chose it.
That might not sound radical, but if you’ve lived your life inside performance reviews, global calendars, and manager approvals, you know exactly how big that is.
A few weeks ago, my husband and kids asked me, “What do you want for your birthday?”
And for once I couldn’t think of a single thing. Not one!
I haven’t run out of dreams, but right this moment, Im so content. This life I’ve built… it’s already the thing I used to want.
Sure, there are always material things I could list. But what I feel is something rarer: a sense of quiet enough-ness.
And in that space, I did what any recovering overachiever does: I made a list.
Not of things I want, but of everything I know.
Quote of the Week
“Happiness is not a goal… it’s a by-product of a life well lived.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
49 Lessons I learned in 49 years
- If you don’t choose your life, someone else will.
- You’re not here to be liked. You’re here to be respected.
- The partner you choose will shape your future more than any other decision.
- Most people don’t change. Don’t wait for them.
- Applause and approval are addictive. Don’t build your life around them.
- If it costs your peace, it’s too expensive.
- No one is coming to save you. But you can save yourself.
- Decisions made from fear are rarely the right ones.
- Burnout is not a badge of honour. It’s a red flag. Listen.
- You’ll outgrow people. Be grateful. Then move on.
- Not everyone deserves access to you — or your energy.
- Success without peace is failure in disguise.
- You don’t owe anyone a version of yourself that makes them comfortable.
- You can be kind and have boundaries. Both are forms of love.
- If they call you loud, bossy, difficult, or dramatic — they’re not your people.
- People can love you deeply and still not be right for you.
- People are contagious. Choose your inner circle wisely.
- Your calendar reveals your values. Not your words.
- The longer you avoid a hard conversation, the more expensive it becomes.
- If it looks like shit, smells like shit, and feels like shit — it’s probably shit.
- Trust your lived experience more than anyone’s shiny blueprint.
- Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a portal.
- You only have one body. Take care of it.
- Your health is your real wealth. Without it, nothing works.
- Hormones aren’t a footnote. They’re a plot twist. Adjust accordingly.
- Doing less — but better — is a radical act in a world addicted to busy.
- Time is your only non-renewable resource. Treat it like gold.
- You’re not too late. You’re right on time.
- Everyone is winging it — even the ones who look like they aren’t.
- Your best decisions often won’t make sense to others. Make them anyway.
- Identity beats willpower. Be the person who does the thing.
- Most success is just boring consistency over time. Not overnight genius.
- Simplicity is a sign of mastery. If you can’t explain it clearly, you don’t understand it yet.
- Work that drains you isn’t worth the money. Ever.
- Aging isn’t decline. It’s refinement.
- Stop asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.
- Everything compounds. The great and the awful alike.
- You’re not too much. You’re just in the wrong room.
- Get comfortable with discipline and boredom — you’ll be ahead of 95% of the crowd.
- Stop negotiating with self-doubt. Just start.
- If you feel like an imposter, you’re probably growing. Do it anyway.
- “No” is a full sentence. In every scenario.
- Life’s a story. Make it a damn good one.
- Everything feels impossible until it’s done.
- Depth over breadth. Always.
- Kids are the most wonderful thing in the world — and they’re not for everyone.
- You can admire something for its beauty — and still not want it in your life.
- You get one life. Make sure it’s yours.
- You’re just getting started.
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OWN IT
If you’re reading this list and nodding your head – you’re not behind, you’re aligned.
You’ve already done the hard part: living it.
Now it’s time to lead with it.
You’re not building from scratch. You’re building from strength.
If you’re ready to turn your experience into premium positioning, bold messaging, and real revenue—
→ Book a call and let’s see if we’re a fit.
This Week’s Action Plan
- Start your own list of 25 lessons you’ve earned the hard way → You’re ready for more—not because you’re lacking, but because you’ve outgrown what was. [Book a call to build what’s next]
- Write a “wake-up call” post—one truth you’d tell your 35-year-old self
- Identify one decision you’re avoiding and make a 10-minute plan to resolve it
- Say “no” to one thing this week that’s costing you peace, not money
49 and happy as a pig in shit,
Claudia
