Self | Life Lessons

I Just Hit Level 40 In Life

Reflections and lessons to carry forward for a better, more fulling existence.

Sean Kernan
6 min readSep 2, 2023

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Pexels Images via Andrea Piacquadio

Honestly, I’m relieved it’s over. This birthday loomed over me for months, like an ominous dark cloud I didn’t want to get closer to.

I feel better now. Hitting a new decade does bring about reflection. I took stock of my life and thought through what I’ve learned and hoped to accomplish. A few things surprised me.

The wave of nostalgia

Yesterday, I visited my alma mater for the first time in 20 years. As I walked along the sidewalk, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and so many memories and scenes came surging back. At one point, I paused and thought, “Have students always looked this young?”

Standing in front of my freshman dorm.

With sorrow, I remembered a classmate, Shauna, who was a senior when I was a freshman. She’d been so welcoming and friendly to me, and loved making jokes about our names being similar. It is rare to meet such a kind and loving person.

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Sean Kernan

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