40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years
Reflections on Life, Love, Parenting, and the Power of Yoga
Turning 40 is a milestone that invites reflection—and gratitude. As a yoga and movement teacher, mother of three, and lifelong student of life, here are 40 powerful lessons I’ve gathered over the years. These insights have come from personal growth, parenting, teaching yoga, and simply showing up—day after day—with an open heart.
Whether you’re preparing for parenthood, finding your community, or simply looking for guidance on your journey, I hope these truths offer light and connection.
Life Lessons
My goal in life is simple: do good. Be a decent person, and raise kind, compassionate humans.
Get crystal clear on what you value. Mine are: Kindness & Compassion, Connection, Health & Mental Health.
Empathy matters most when it’s hard to give. Especially to those who’ve hurt you or made poor choices.
Done is better than perfect.
The older you get, the more open you should become—not more closed.
Don’t cling so tightly - things, people, stories, opinions.
You will be the villain in someone’s story—and that’s okay.
Invest in mutual relationships. Let go of one-sided ones.
Never compare your journey. Everyone’s path is deeply personal.
Assume the best; in people, situations.
Pause before reacting. Most things aren’t urgent.
Love & Relationships
Relationships, community, and connection are non-negotiable. We’re wired for each other.
Love begins with you.
Love comes in many forms—not just romantic.
Community is essential. Find your people, your support village.
Western culture over-glorifies romance. Real love is rooted in deep friendship.
Practice conscious communication. Ask: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?
You can’t change anyone. But healing yourself changes your world.
People show up from their level of awareness. Meet them there.
Boundaries require clarity, communication and enforcement.
Respect > Love.
Unconditional love is for children. Adults who love, do better.
Parenting Wisdom
Parenting is a spiritual journey. It will stretch and transform you.
You can never have too much support.
Heal yourself. It’s the greatest gift you can give your children.
Connect with a parent a few years ahead of you who shares your values.
Learning happens everywhere. You’re your child’s first teacher.
We are here to teach our children—the world is hard enough.
Talk about the hard stuff. Kids are ready for more than we think.
Parenting doesn’t end at 18—it evolves.
Your job isn’t to create a clone of yourself. Help your child grow into who they are.
Drop your agenda. Kids aren’t here to fulfill your plan.
Kids grow, develop, move on their own timeline—not society’s.
Yoga Truths
I began yoga in my 20s, and it became a lifelong companion. Becoming a yoga teacher wasn’t the plan—but it was the path. It led me to greater self-awareness, healing, and connection
Yoga teaches presence. It slows you down so you can listen—to your body, your breath, your intuition.
The real yoga happens off the mat. How you respond to life is your truest practice.
Go back to basics. There are no beginner poses, only beginner students.
Your practice will evolve—just like you. Embrace the changes, especially through pregnancy, postpartum, and every new season of life.
What you resist, persists. Meet discomfort with breath, not avoidance.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Just show up—even for five minutes.
There’s strength in softness. Especially in prenatal yoga, gentleness is a form of deep power.
Yoga is not about the pose—it’s about the process. Stay curious. Stay kind.
Yoga is for every body. There is no ideal size, shape, age, or ability required to practice yoga. It’s not about fitting into a pose—it’s about making the pose fit you. True yoga meets you exactly where you are, and everyone belongs.
Prenatal yoga is preparation for parenting. It's breath, presence, and surrender—all of which serve you on and off the mat.
