What I Know Now... Life Lessons

Have you ever read of those "Oh my god books?" The one that you think the author was actually looking in your head and stole your thoughts? My latest is, "What I know now" edited by Ellyn Spragins. This short read is a compilation of letters written by very successful women to themselves. They are writing at the point in time when they were most in need of advice. So the women, give that advice, in the form of a letter “to their younger self.”

This year, I will be 43. I remember that there was a time in my life - probably the age of many of you - that I thought 43 was SO OLD! Here is what I know now - the things I thought would literally prevent me from living the life I had all planned out - the toughest things - not having children, getting divorced, losing a job.

Here's what I know now - you live through all of it. Just like the kids who end up in our care - the worst things happen, the unthinkable and whether you want it or not - the sun is going to come up tomorrow. Always. And you will be left to have the courage to figure out whatever situation you are presented with. I wonder whether at 30, would the book have talked to me in the same way - I am not sure - some things only come with age. But if the book can talk to you and help you see what a tremendously wonderful person you are and how much you have to offer, whatever is going on in your personal and work life, then it is all good.

I highly recommend this book - it shows you great insight into some of the most amazing people of our time (Cokie Roberts, Queen Noor, Beverly Sills, Pikaboo Street and more) and shows you at their darkest moment - the thing they needed to remember was that they had more than they knew, and that they needed to listen to their inner voice.

I would love to know what you think of the book.

Have you ever had a “What I Know Now” moment you’d like to share?
Maybe a family move that changed everything for you?
Or maybe a life style change that catapulted you in a new direction?