Life is all about perspective. What seems true to one person might not be the same for another. After 51 years, I’ve learned that everything changes, and nothing is ever guaranteed. Here are 10 important lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Treasure Your Time with Loved Ones
   Spending time with the people you care about is priceless. We often think our loved ones will always be just a call away. Families can be complicated, but if you have close connections, make sure to enjoy every moment together.
2. Creative Success Can Be Complicated
   Succeeding in a creative field can feel strange. When you’re not known, you have nothing to lose, which can enhance your creativity. However, once you find success—like making a significant art sale—the pressure increases. It can be tough to maintain that spark while meeting other people’s expectations.
3. Expect Nothing, Enjoy Everything
   Holding onto expectations can lead to disappointment because you’re trying to control things you can’t. I’ve found that letting go of expectations allows me to enjoy life’s surprises and makes it easier to appreciate the good times while navigating the tough ones.
4. There’s Always a Gap
   Life is about figuring out who you are and who you want to be. There’s always a gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Instead of stressing about it, enjoy the journey of becoming your best self.
5. Your Self-Worth Isn’t Based on Achievements
   Achieving something significant, like a major art sale, doesn’t guarantee that you’ll feel good about yourself. Doubts can still linger. Eventually, you have to confront those doubts rather than relying solely on your accomplishments for reassurance.
6. Real Wealth is More Than Money
   Wealth isn’t just about cash; it’s also about happiness, relationships, and gratitude. A fulfilling life comes from recognizing your blessings, nurturing your connections, and enjoying experiences—rather than just counting your money.
7. Good Things Take Time
   Patience is key. Whether you’re building a career, making friends, or chasing dreams, important things often take longer than you think. Stick with it, even when it gets tough.
8. Embracing Challenges Can Lead to New Opportunities
   Sometimes, taking on something uncomfortable can lead to amazing experiences. I learned this when I nervously agreed to speak in front of colleagues. That one choice opened unexpected doors for me.
9. Comparison Steals Your Joy
   With social media showcasing everyone’s highlights, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. I try to focus on my own growth and celebrate my progress. The only person I should compare myself to is who I was yesterday.
10. You’re Not a Failure; You’re on a Different Path
    Life doesn’t always go as planned, and things often take unexpected turns. Rather than viewing delays or setbacks as failures, I see them as part of my unique journey—like a scenic route filled with important lessons.

Reflecting on these lessons has helped me embrace life’s ups and downs and appreciate the beauty in uncertainty. I hope some of these insights resonate with you too!