by Christina Hubbard
Thirty-nine nudges forty just barely. Enough to know forty won’t be awful. Enough to know getting a little older can fill you with grace and chutzpah, and you really do start to care less what people think. That feels like a whole new level of freedom!
As you may have guessed, today is my birthday. It’s funny—39 feels a bit nostalgic and thrilling. I used to think what I had to say wasn’t wise or worthy, but time has a way of revealing what’s true.
God values each of us. He invites us into a beautiful lifelong adventure with Him, not dictated by social media, culture, or politics. Thanks for giving me the floor for a few minutes. I hope it inspires you. Also, check out my announcement at the end.
Love, rest, and speaking up: what 39 years have taught me
- Every voice matters, so use yours with no apologies.
- My mom was and is superwoman.
- God loves to use our weaknesses.
- That thing you love to do? Start doing it.
- It’s O.K. to quit when it frees you to pursue better things.
- Slow down. Whatever you’re hustling hard for will pass away. Then what?
- Forgive. Now. It helps, I promise.
- Teaching kids and dogs good manners make the world a better place.
- I may never get all the artwork I own up on my walls, but at least I went beyond them.
- Put down the phone. Look people in the eye.
- Take walks. They’re nature’s cleanse.
- Ask for help when you’re struggling. That’s real courage.
- Reach out. People are lonely, and friends will be found where you least suspect.
- Trust your guts to speak the truth. Edit less.
- Do less. Be more.
- Spend time learning to pray.
- You are not a clothing size. You are a work of art, designed by God.
- Let others have the last word.
- Take a regular Sabbath to remember God is in control, and you are not.
- Pain refines. Don’t fear it.
- Give what you love away often.
- Poetry is never a waste of time.
- Compassion is not only having empathy and meeting material needs. It’s listening and sitting in the hard spaces with people.
- If you can’t answer WHY you are doing something, then don’t.
- Don’t apologize for your messes.
- Be yourself although it may qualify as totally uncool (for my tweenager).
- God often calls us to places we question ourselves. That’s called humility.
- Share the story of what God is doing in your life aloud.
- Two things to be a better human: read books + shut up when others are talking.
- Chew slowly. Enjoy food.
- You don’t have to say yes to everyone who asks.
- Tell your favorite people exactly what you love about them.
- Write thank yous. Pick up the phone.
- Your pace is not the next person’s. Chances are they are busting their chops behind that shiny smile.
- Creativity requires whitespace. Lots of it.
- Love is always worth it.
- If you want to heal, give.
- Make friends with your body, skin, emotions, and mind.
- You can change.
The upside-down kingdom of God puts things in the right order: God-sized love first, others next. Like you, I’m still in process on most of these. I can’t wait to see where today will take us.
My new site
Speaking of new things, today I’m launching my new writing + speaking site! The blog will stay put as the place where what I write lives, for now. This new site features my services as a speaker and retreat leader for creatives and leaders. Do come on over and check it out.
