40 Lessons at 40: From Refugee to Father, Builder, and Man of Peace
I turn 40 today.
Not just older.
Wiser. Clearer. Lighter.
I’ve lived many lives already, from a refugee camp to building a creative business, a community, and a life I’m proud of.
This isn’t a victory lap.
It’s a ceremony.
40 things I’ve learned that I’m carrying into the next chapter:
1 You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up.
2 Love is the greatest investment. It compounds daily.
3 Money comes and goes. Skills and character stay.
4 Chasing peace is more powerful than chasing clout.
5 Real strength is spiritual, not performative.
6 Being present will teach you more than any podcast.
7 Your childhood wounds become your greatest wisdom, if you let them.
8 Craftsmanship is underrated. But it’s what builds a legacy.
9 The people who matter won’t care how many followers you have.
10 Some seasons are for growth. Some are for healing. Honor both.
11 Learn to enjoy your own company. You’ll be around for a while.
12 A great partner is the ultimate blessing. Protect that bond.
13 Most of your limitations are inherited, not chosen. Break that cycle.
14 Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re doors to self-respect.
15 You can’t outsource self-worth.
16 Make art like your soul depends on it, because it does.
17 Give people their flowers now.
18 Fear is a compass. Don’t run from it, follow it.
19 Learn to sit with silence. That’s where God speaks.
20 You’re allowed to evolve. Stop clinging to old versions of yourself.
21 Hustle fades. Purpose sustains.
22 Shut up and listen.
23 Men need more spaces to feel, not just fix.
24 Writing saved my life. Sharing it gave it meaning.
25 Not every battle is yours to fight.
26 Say “I love you” more often. Especially to the men in your life.
27 Pray like it’s your last conversation.
28 Every dollar you invest in your skills will pay back in identity.
29 Stop asking for permission to be great.
30 You can’t force trust. You can only earn it slowly.
31 Life is not a ladder. It’s a garden. Tend to it daily.
32 There’s a difference between being tired and being misaligned.
33 Your story is your superpower.
34 Forgive yourself often. You’re learning in real time.
35 Choose depth over noise. Every time.
36 Be the man your younger self needed.
37 Be the kind of friend you always wished you had.
38 I’ve never been clearer, more grounded, or more ready.
39 All my blessings come from the one and only GOD
40 The only person I want to inspire from here on… is my son.
I'm going to be Dad, there's no better gift.
My next chapter is beautiful as the garden expands and the tending becomes the reward.
Thank you for supporting my work, journey, and growing family.
I love you.
#raisingthenextgardenwarrior
