I’m 43 today. I thought for my birthday I’d reflect and share some things I’ve learned as I’ve become older . Maybe if you’re a little younger you’ll appreciate the perspective or if you’re older, you’ll share a forecast for my future.
In no particular order.
- Skincare over makeup.
- Don’t keep clothing you don’t wear.
- Always stop and pet the puppy.
- Give compliments. Keep it simple and honest.
- Keep your mouth shut when you disagree with someones opinion, unless doing so will harm someone you love.
- Get a plant. It’s good to care for something that grows and you can love that doesn’t talk back.
- Drink water more than anything else.
- 10 minute rule for venting. Vent for 10 mins then move on.
- You may not remember trauma but your body doesn’t forget. Listen to it.
- Get some comfy shoes. Half of being tired can come from your feet.
- Forget what the fight was about and decide if you still want to have the relationship.
- Upgrade your morning. Get fancy with coffee or make a perfectly poached egg. Find something to make your day start out fancy af.
- Exercise. Poorly executed is fine. Keep trying till it’s a habit.
- Buy better underwear.
- Say no. Don’t feel bad about it, don’t overcommit yourself.
- Do nothing once in a while.
- Get rid of some crap. You don’t have to organize what you don’t have.
- Invest in yourself. Save for you, what you want, even if it’s small.
- Read your news. Decide what you want to know and where you trust to get it from. Don’t just get fed opinions, learn discernment.
- Top shelf booze only.
- Night cream for your face.
- Sunblock every damn day.
- Vitamins.
- Meditate so you don’t murder. There is only toilet wine in prison.
- Sit outdoors without looking at your phone.
- Good sheets. Inexpensive jersey sheets are soooo soft. 100% Organic cotton as a splurge.
- Dress for the life you have. Men have tactical pants with 45 pockets but don’t regularly get lost in the woods and use that special pocket just for a compass so who cares if I wear leggings and sweatshirts. I’m prepared for the life I have. Mind your business.
- Any food can be breakfast food.
- Wash dishes as you cook.
- Ignore the things you don’t like and praise the things you do. You’ll get less of the crap stuff and more of the good.
- Tacos can turn a day around.
- Write things down just to check them off.
- Pay down your debt.
- Expect good things.
- Smile when you speak on the phone, because even if you’re annoyed the shape of your smile will make you seem happier than you feel, and probably get better service.
- Know your interest rates. Write your balances and rates in a book and track how quickly you pay off your debt.
- Print some photos. Don’t rely on just your phone.
- Sleeping-in is badass.
- Don’t assume people will be around, tell them you love them now.
- Hide snacks for yourself in case you’re being grumpy. Have a snack and be quiet.
- If no-one laughs at your joke, that’s their problem.
- You can change your life at any moment, so pay attention.
- Don’t take yourself so seriously. People are too busy with their own lives to spend time judging yours.
