55 Things I've Learned in 55 Years

Sarah Sisson Rollandini
Jul 21
4 min read

Yesterday, I spent my birthday at my parents' lake cottage basking in the gentle Michigan sunshine and wrapped in the love of my people. Laughter flows when we're together. I've witnessed many a family where conflict is a monster stomping about the room so I'm grateful for the peace in my tribe. We simply get each other; that alone is a gift.

Today, I'm pondering the wisdom gained in the last five years. Since I recorded 50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years in 2020, I've just five nuggets of wisdom to lengthen the list. You'll have to scroll all the way to the bottom to skip to the final quintet. However, I encourage you to read through the sifted thoughts of half a century. These discoveries can't be traded for smoother skin and a perky derrière. If we're lucky enough to reach middle age, its small indignities arrive with a widening of prime territory, a settling of character.

At 55, I've abandoned my quest for fool's gold. Scripture marks the spot where I'm digging for treasure. Proverbs 8:11 declares,

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

I'm draping those precious stones around my neck and throwing a party. And hey friend, you're invited.

50 Things I've Learned in 50 Years

1. It's not about me. (also known as, "The world does not revolve around you!")

2. Mom is right about most things (see #1, above).

3. Prefer the given.

4. The grass only seems greener on the other side of the fence.

5. Serving others lifts us up.

6. Everyone has a cross to bear. You likely wouldn't want to trade yours for another.

7. If you're feeling bad/sad/mad, take a walk for some fresh perspective.

8. People will fail you. God will not.

9. When you're tired, rest.

10. Build relationships. It's what we're made for.

11. Sing.

12. If you say you're going to pray for someone, do it.

13. Dogs love you when you're a mess. Remember this when you're cleaning up their messes.

14. You'll never regret listening more and speaking less.

15. It really doesn't matter what people think about you.

16. All families (and people) are weird.

17. What we have in common is greater than what separates us.

18. Life is hard. God is good.

19. Don't just do something, sit there.

20. Aim to have more positive than negative interactions with those closest to you.

21. If you want to remember it, write it down.

22. Traditions and rituals are the superglue that hold people together.

23. Change is inevitable; you have the power to influence the direction it will take.

24. Contrary to popular belief about Jello, there's always room for chocolate chip cookies.

25. Choose friends who say "yes".

26. Retail therapy may not solve the problem, but it makes you feel a lot better until the problem is solved!

27. God doesn't cause everything, but he's the good in everything.

28. A smile opens the door to bridge building.

29. "Please" and "thank you" are still magic words (and effortless to use!).

30. The pearly swath of the Milky Way, the limonene scent of pine trees, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the soft, downy skin of a newborn, the rhythm of waves lapping on the beach...all of these things were created to engage and gratify our senses. This is not coincidence, but a sign of God's providential grace.

31. Apologizing is difficult but effective.

32. Forgiveness must be done over and over again.

33. You cannot please everyone.

34. Some people are just jerks. Love them anyway.

35. Smelly candles and a long soak in the tub are cheap therapy.

36. Laugh at everyone's jokes. You'll be amazed how this elevates their opinion of you.

37. We will all die one day. For the Christ follower, this need not be bad news.

38. You don't have to want to do hard things. You just have to do them. (Thanks, Dr. Phil!).

39. Hurt people hurt people. Offering grace instead of a reaction heals broken hearts.

40. Have a bucket list. Check off items regularly.

41. Be grateful. For proven results, write down a few blessings every day.

42. You don't need a lot of friends. A few tried and true ones is plenty.

43. Work should never be more important than your people.

44. Great conversations are like tennis matches Be sure to hit the ball back.

45. It's still rude to discuss politics, finances, and religion in mixed company (but feel free to write/speak to an audience about them).

46. Allowing lies to run rampant hurts people. Speak the truth with grace.

47. Hold the door, even if the person seems too far away.

48. You don't have to like or agree with everyone to be kind. (Read: Lying is not kind)

49. There are energy chargers and energy drainers (people and things). Budget your time carefully.

50. It's OK to love people from a distance.

No matter how agreeably you disagree, people will hate you. Repeat after me: "Oh well!"
What's popular in the court of public opinion these days is most likely wrong.
Talk to God more than people.
Take time to be silent and listen for your Creator.
Love doesn't sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to do the job. (Look at Jesus!)