{"id":37976,"date":"2019-11-28T06:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T06:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/?p=37976"},"modified":"2020-04-08T18:48:35","modified_gmt":"2020-04-08T18:48:35","slug":"40-things-before-40-open-list-to-my-almost-40-year-old-self","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/28\/40-things-before-40-open-list-to-my-almost-40-year-old-self\/","title":{"rendered":"40 Things Before 40: Open List To My Almost 40-Year-Old Self"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Que visual of a woman laughing, holding a champagne glass, throwing confetti, legs kicked up and exemplifying joy here. For what? Because let me get all naked truth with you dear friends, these last almost 40 years have stolen many things from me but one thing it never could be was the thief of my joy.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me tell you something real, that (joy) for sure took some stripping of layers upon layers to get to&#8230;minus the confetti and okay, nix the champagne too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think it looks more like a refreshed woman sinking into her greatness, stripped emotionally and physically In a bathtub with an honest dose of check yourself before you wreck yourself (for me anyway).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/jasmin-nelson.png\" alt=\"nude woman in a bathtub - 40 things before 40\" class=\"wp-image-37980\" width=\"710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/jasmin-nelson.png 719w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/jasmin-nelson-300x137.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The raw reality is a picture depicted of self-reflection and me letting go of toxicity because I just didn\u2019t want to carry it anymore.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It took more than smudging with sage, incense, and sweetgrass to cleanse my space and the people in it. It took More than my love for full moon rituals; All beautiful resources, but In time (like 40 years time, because it\u2019s never too late to discover who you authentically are) brought to light there\u2019s nothing like waking up one day and honestly coming to terms about what happiness means to you.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not just \u201cHappy\u201d like the feel-good song by Pharrell or \u201cSo Happy Together\u201d by the Beatles (both epic songs, by the way) but I mean truly living in and overflowing in the happiness of simply laying bare to the rhythm of your heartbeat with the acquisition of protecting your peace and the <em>things<\/em> in it. Huge!!&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I eventually found that indefinitely shifting my own narrative, cultivating love and forgiveness in myself and others (whether they were aware or not). It was all about manifesting love and light, uncovering and ridding myself of past mistakes, expectations, and criticisms. Exhale here.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Freeing myself of things and people that no longer served or provided growth. So yes, I finally just went ahead and Undressed myself of the mess and clothed myself in strength and dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/who-runs-this-mother.png\" alt=\"woman wearing who runs this mother shirt - 40 things before 40 list\" class=\"wp-image-37981\" width=\"710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/who-runs-this-mother.png 718w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/who-runs-this-mother-300x223.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 718px) 100vw, 718px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s cliche but time heals all wounds.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In revealed time, there lied my self-discoveries, vulnerabilities, self-love and living in my authentic naked truths.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I uncovered that visual, it was an image of me set free, emotionally and physically, stripped, sinking in a baptism of bravery, renewal, and self-worth; all that phenomenally celebrates what it means to be almost 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But First, a checklist. This nearly 40-year-old just loves a good old (no pun intended) List.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align:center\"><strong>40 THINGS BEFORE 40<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Give Up The BS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You wanna fly? You gotta give up the BS that\u2019s weighing you down as number one! Skydiving may be cool and all but first things first, take the time to reflect on the thrill of flying free from any baggage (people or things) that no longer serve you or allow you to soar at your fullest potential. That&#8217;s the real frequent flyer mileage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Take Back Your Power<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be fearless and confront an issue or person that\u2019s been eating away at you and causing you to hold a grudge for far too long so you can finally put your heart and mind at rest! It\u2019s time to stop letting someone or that something live rent-free in your head for free already. Know that you are a powerful being, capable of great things! Time to take your power back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Health Is Wealth!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both mental and physical. Investing in yourself is the best gift to you, ever! Make the doctor or shrink appointment, do the stretching, eat the apple and the carrots and find an exercise regime to keep your whole&nbsp;temple in shape so you can live long and feel your best damn self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/split.png\" alt=\"woman doing yoga - 40 things before 40 list\" class=\"wp-image-37983\" width=\"710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/split.png 717w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/split-300x214.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 717px) 100vw, 717px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Say No to Body-Shaming&nbsp;Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sagging and gravity happen, we\u2019re all not immune to the aging process. Besides, the smile lines and the tiger stripes (stretch marks)&nbsp; tell stories of the life you lived and believe me you\u2019re in good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Save Some Dough for a Rainy Day&#8230;and Retirement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By the age of 40, there will come a time where you wished you had more money to not have bitten you in the booty when you needed it and didn\u2019t have it. Get into the habit while you\u2019re still able for funds to compound and grow. Your older self and savings account will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Not Everyone Will Like You and That\u2019s Okay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re searching for approval and people-pleasing, stop. Don\u2019t waste another minute of your life second-guessing yourself. There are far better things and people to spend your time and energy on. Focus on the tribe that values you and the purpose that serves you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Do What You Love So You Never Have to Work a Day in Your Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working a stressful and unsatisfying position will suck the life out of you, literally. Pursue things that will fill your cup of life up, not drain it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Life Is Short, Treat Yourself!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether shoes, cake (in moderation) or a spa session, Do that! If no one has told you, you\u2019ve earned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/spa.png\" alt=\"mother and son in bathrobes in a hotel relaxing - 40 things before 40 list\" class=\"wp-image-37984\" width=\"710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/spa.png 654w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/spa-274x300.png 274w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 654px) 100vw, 654px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Life Is Tough, But You\u2019re Tougher!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Challenge yourself physically and mentally while your marbles are still sharp and walking up the stairs doesn&#8217;t feel like a marathon. Your gold medal is the way you\u2019re going to look and feel after completion. Keep it consistent. Stunning looks lovely on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Call and Cherish Your Mom and Dad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, You know they won\u2019t live forever and yes, unfortunately, the time <em>will<\/em> come when you won&#8217;t get the opportunity to hear their voices or give them a tight squeeze. Tell them what they mean to you, and not just on holidays or their birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Less Perfection, More Authenticity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The world as we know it can be a cruel and superficial place but you don\u2019t have to be. Instead of focusing on the less than, the worries, troubles, external satisfaction and any anxious thoughts related to fear or failure or whatever, shift your mindset to focus on what you genuinely love about yourself, appreciate in others, and the world&#8230; and how far you\u2019ve come. That\u2019s the real victory lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Be Kind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be kind, people may be fighting a battle you know nothing about. That means smile at the cashier and speak to strangers. Pay it forward at a coffee shop. You can absolutely&nbsp;revolutionize someone\u2019s day and touch lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13.  Check, Learn, Grow, Move on, Then Praise and Clap for Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important conversation and encouragement to be had is the one you have with yourself. Sure, life has given us its ups and downs but Don\u2019t ever blame yourself for the pitfalls or be misguided by failures, mistakes, and mishaps. Besides, smooth seas never made for a skilled sailor. Check, learn, grow, move on, then praise and clap for yourself. If you don\u2019t, who will?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Love Happens When...You Love Yourself (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/16\/love-yourself\/\" target=\"_blank\">Love Happens When&#8230;You Love Yourself<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. Book the Ticket and Go!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Expanding your perspective, appreciating life and getting some R&amp;R all come with the beauty of a wanderlust experience. And there\u2019s So much more where that came from. Whether staycation or a trip to Bali. Do it! Did I say Go? Because Go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. Stop Playing Small<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop playing small, you were made for BIG and mighty things! Step out of your comfort zone and see what lies outside of your bubble. I promise you won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>16. Know Your Worth Is Not Defined by Your Accomplishments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Know yourself and your worth are not defined by accomplishments and accolades. You are worthy of love and belonging regardless. Jot that down on a mirror so you see it every day if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>17. Hearts Break and PSA, They Also Heal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You just can\u2019t get around the shattering part so don\u2019t even think about taking any shortcuts or sweeping it under the rug. That will just cause more hurt and will be like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound, Worthless. Instead, Pick up the pieces, Put in the healing work and unwrap one of the greatest gifts in life&#8230;LIFE itself; it goes on and so can you. Know that What\u2019s meant for you will find you. Onward!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>18. Forgiveness Sets You Free<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It allows growth and happiness. Anger, resentment, and revenge are not yours to carry and it\u2019s heavy! Listen, at this age, we probably have enough back problems. So please, Let. It. Go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>19. Woman (or Man) Up!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you take personal responsibility for your life and actions, you will begin to improve your ability to respond to external factors you may not have control over. Checkmate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"558\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ringmaster.png\" alt=\"woman dressed as a ringmaster\" class=\"wp-image-37985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ringmaster.png 558w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ringmaster-247x300.png 247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 558px) 100vw, 558px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>20. Do Something Out of the Ordinary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The unconventional life is not for everyone but braving to do at least one thing outside of your norm can bring on a real pleasant surprise. Don\u2019t knock it until you\u2019ve tried it. Even if it\u2019s eating by yourself, going to Karaoke or adding extra guac to a taco. Go for it! And don\u2019t you dare beat yourself up about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>21. Be a Giver Not a Taker<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Givers on a whole, experience a boost in morale, increased feelings of happiness, greater purpose in life and naturally lower stress levels. Find a cause or a community and give already. There\u2019s tons out there! You need not look far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>22. Friendships Will Be Tested<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bridges will burn, don\u2019t dwell on it. What\u2019s meant to be will always be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>23. Set Intentions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It allows you to focus and reflect on who you are as well as the inspiration and motivation to achieve your purpose. Good stuff here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>24. Don&#8217;t Ever Do Things Half Ass, Use Your Whole Ass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AKA there is no room to live half-heartedly because what would really hurt you more? The pain of hard work and putting in the grind or living with regret in your slumber? Hard pass on the later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong> 25. Be Present<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be present and not overwhelmed, worried or consumed by others&#8217; expectations. Easier said than done but absolutely possible. Start with a grounding technique or a simple deep breath goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>26. Lust Expires<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Huge difference between infatuation and true connection. Pursue the latter, the rest is just temporary gratification, toxicity, and unhealthy relations. You don\u2019t need that negativity in your life. Thank you, Next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>27. Balance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps reduce stress and prevents burnout. Need I say more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>28. Explore Some New and Physical Passions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your hair tamed is not the priority, living is. Get in the ocean and under the wave, take the Salsa class and get sweaty, just live!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>29. Follow Your Dreams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s never too late. Make your mark on this world, your legacy awaits. Why not me? Should be the motto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>30. Stray Off the Beaten Path, On Purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Escape routine and experience some adventure and the unpredictable in life! Even if that means taking a different route on your drive home. Baby steps count too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>31. You Are Your Own Existence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your existence is not based on external things or people, as that is always going to be fleeting. Note to self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>32.  Time Is The Greatest Luxury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time is the greatest luxury and more valuable than money, don\u2019t ever take it for granted or waste it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"521\" height=\"714\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/relxaing.png\" alt=\"woman relaxing in a bed with a book\" class=\"wp-image-37986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/relxaing.png 521w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/relxaing-219x300.png 219w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>33. Rest or Your Body Will Force You To<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rest or your body will force you to, and when it does, it\u2019s not nice and no fun. And we want fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>34. You&#8217;ll Only Regret the Things You Didn&#8217;t Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll only regret the things you didn\u2019t do in life so get to doing! Cliche but still Obvi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>35. Take Time to Digital Detox<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Step away from distracting devices and try a digital detox, you\u2019ll learn and do things you wouldn\u2019t, had you not. Trust!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>36. Stay Humble &amp; Live in Gratitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay humble, live in gratitude and embrace it fully as it opens the door to the sacred and simple space within. A true win and youth defyer. Eye cream need not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>37. Kick Excuses to the Curb<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kick excuses to not live your best life to the curb. Identify the priorities and rearrange your life to live them. The end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>38. Manifest What You Want<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Manifest what you want to allow your thoughts, vibrations, and energy to become your reality. Not to get all Law of Attraction on you but being negative to yourself and others will surely have you on Karmas To-Do list. Positive but honest with yourself vibes only! Declare what you want and watch the life you want to live, align accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>39. Jealousy Is Misguided<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media is a liar and can\u2019t be trusted. Don&#8217;t let it be a source of envy, self-worth or competition. It\u2019s curated content. Remember that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>40. Own and Love Who You Are<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The secret regenerative sauce is You\u2019ll feel and look way younger than you really are. Precious time and mind productivity are completely wasted when you allow others to govern who you are. Know and dig up your truths, your worth and walk boldly in it. There\u2019s Something to be said about someone\u2019s confidence, basking in their self-love and living their own best life. That something is: Life (whether almost 40 or not) it looks good on you, no\u2014 gorgeous on you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jazzy_nelson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/pink.png\" alt=\"woman standing against a pink wall - 40 things before 40 list\" class=\"wp-image-37988\" width=\"710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/pink.png 657w, https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/pink-277x300.png 277w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 657px) 100vw, 657px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you made it this far in your journey whether nearly 40 or not, take time to thank yourself. Thank God. Thank the Universe. And celebrate yourself for surviving life and doing the <em>things<\/em> that have given you life and life more abundantly.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With almost 4 decades in the bag, you&#8217;ll find me having checked off this list and living it! Each one serving, more than actually just being a <em>thing <\/em>on a list<em>.<\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>May we keep doing our <em>things<\/em>, perhaps 40 things to celebrate one more lap around the sun, I did and the view is phenomenal! Here\u2019s to trusting our next chapter because we\u2019re the author! It\u2019s not just a list, it\u2019s a lifestyle, a self-love and discovery story, a journey and a celebration! Here\u2019s to bigger, and better <em>things<\/em>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shine on &amp; Cheers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Jasm\u00edn (Jazzy) Nelson is a true \u201cJazzy\u201d of all trades. This multifaceted mom boss keeps busy as a journalist, an independent paralegal, Life Coach, photographer, and Juris Doctorate candidate. When she finds free time, you\u2019ll most likely spot her doing yoga and catching good vibes at the beach with her son in beautiful California.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All Photos are by and of Jasmin Nelson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/?s=jasmin+nelson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Read more of Jazzy\u2019s great content!<\/a><\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Que visual of a woman laughing, holding a champagne glass, throwing confetti, legs kicked up and exemplifying joy here. For&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37980,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6938,40],"tags":[6688,3453,4948],"class_list":["post-37976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-be-empowered","category-women-empowerment","tag-40-things-before-40","tag-love-yourself","tag-self-love"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>40 Things Before 40: Open List To My Almost 40-Year-Old Self<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Turning forty? Embrace it and continue your personal journey with this list of 40 things before 40. 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