40 things I know are true

Today is my 40th birthday. On reflection, my twenties seem like a different life. My thirties provided a huge amount of learning. There’s been a lot of growth in the last five years in particular. There are a lot of lessons I’m still working on, but here are 40 things I know are true.

1. I know that great literature can make you love being human and see and love the humanity in others.
2. I know that “It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light.” English writer G.K. Chesterton said that.
3. I know that “The days are long, but the years are short.” Gretchen Rubin said that.
4. I know that “If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders of Giants.” Isaac Newton said that. My ancestors like to remind me.
5. I know that as above, so below.
6. I know that thou art Goddess, thou art God.
7. I know that God(dess) is alive and magick is afoot.
8. I know that a mystery isn’t necessarily a secret. Sometimes, a mystery is that which cannot be explained, only experienced.
9. I know that there are the things that happen and then there are the stories we tell about the things that happen.
10. I know that a lack of clutter makes me feel calm and happy.
11. I know that life isn’t always worth living.
12. I know that we live in a web. Everything is interconnected.
13. I know that the terrain of my life was partly mapped before I was born.
14. I know that we evolved to survive, not to be happy. We have to make our own happiness. It doesn’t come naturally or easily.
15. I know that ice cream and naps help.
16. I know that I have been loved, that I am loved, and I love.
17. I know that I prefer the company of thoughtful, positive people.
18. I know that more isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just more.
19. I know that some people will never change. At least, not in this lifetime.
20. I know that the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, but people will surprise you.
21. I know that purpose matters more than money.
22. I know that being an adult doesn’t mean having it all together.
23. I know it’s ok to cry. It took me a long time to learn that.
24. I know that I have many acquaintances and a few friends.
25. I know that people can’t read my mind, but a few can read my heart and soul.
26. I know that my love for my partner, my family, and friends help guide my decisions.
27. I know that I have a melancholic nature.
28. I know that one’s entitlement or right to an opinion is irrelevant to whether one’s assertion is true or false.
29. I know that generosity and doing good things for others feels good.
30. I know that there is always someone worse off.
31. I know that travelling doesn’t always make people worldly.
32. I know that it is possible to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of its more problematic aspects. Media critic Anita Sarkeesian said that.
33. I know that applies to more than just media. It applies to people, organisations, and institutions too.
34. I know that spending time in nature helps me feel connected, restored, and nourishes my soul.
35. I know that people are tougher, more resilient, and adaptable than we give ourselves credit for.
36. I know that exceptional people don’t have to broadcast that they’re exceptional. Substitute “exceptional” with great leaders, self-aware, etc.
37. I know that I am privileged in some ways. I’m also disadvantaged in some ways.
38. I know that curiosity makes life interesting, fun, and opens the road to learning and growth.
39. I know that when a child hugs you, you shouldn’t be the first to let go. That’s true for some adults too, but it can be hard to tell which ones.
40. I know that there’s a lot I don’t know and will never understand and that’s okay. I’ll keep trying anyway.