38 Things I've Learned As I Turn 38
Some little nuggets of life advice (not that I've figured it all out!)
Today is my birthday. I'm sitting in my living room in the semi-darkness of early morning, kids still asleep upstairs, sipping a mug of hot tea. I can hear birds chirping outside, and I am thinking about how strange it feels to get older.
Author Neil Pasricha has a fun practice of making a list of things he's learned by the time each birthday rolls around, and I'm going to do that, too. These are in no particular order.
Buy the mangoes because they will ripen eventually, and then you'll be glad.
Take 30 seconds to put on moisturizer after washing your face.
Try to avoid checking email before 10 AM.
The secret to good ideas is having lots of ideas.
Everything is less daunting after a good night's sleep.
When you receive a social invitation, RSVP promptly and unambiguously, then stick to it. You won’t regret going. If it’s awful, you’ll get a story out of it.
Always carry cash. You never know when you'll want to stop at a farm stand or buy Girl Guide cookies.
When you encounter street musicians, stop to listen, then give them money.
Buy whatever kids are selling on tables in their front yards.
Keep an inflatable travel pillow in your car.
Most clothes last longer if you hang them to dry; this is a surprisingly meditative activity, especially outside.
Popcorn is always a good choice.
Start lifting weights, and don't stop.
Be punctual. It is a sign of respect to others.
A quick nap is a better strategy than yet another cup of coffee.
A great salad has evenly-cut ingredients that are easy to eat, with varied textures (like crunchy seeds and soft avocado), and salty cheese. Make vinaigrette from scratch.
A long walk will never make you feel worse, and it will always make you feel better.
Don't waste time reading the online comments.
Start small on something big, and you'll be amazed at how much gets done.
Bringing wine on a camping trip is always a good idea.
Working out daily is a major life hack; as a woman, you'll spend far less time worrying about what you eat, how clothes look on your body, and making expensive and/or painful appointments to enhance other parts of your body.
Talking to a stranger is far more interesting than looking at your phone.
If you love someone's outfit, ask where it's from and then go to that store.
When butter is on sale, buy lots and put it in the freezer.
The more good books you read, the higher quality your thoughts will be.
If you can't give a conversation your full attention, then don't have it.
Go outside with no plan whatsoever.
Marcella Hazan's famous 3-ingredient tomato sauce recipe saves many a last-minute dinner.
Always take a sweater.
The enjoyment of a trip is inversely related to the weight of your luggage.
Start dialing a phone number before you feel ready to talk.
Set your alarm for 8.25 hours after you get into bed, no matter what.
Clean out the sink every night before bed. Give it a scrub for good measure.
Don't buy clothes that feel anything less than fabulous the moment you put them on. Shop alone, without kids, wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off.
You cannot control other people. You can only control how you respond to them.
Fresh cut flowers are never a waste of money.
If you're hungry during the afternoon, eat apple slices with peanut butter before making other decisions.
Go to bed at the same time as your spouse.
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This is a wonderful list. And I am so tickled at how many very specific things are on mine as well. Among them: Marcella Hazan's sauce, the daily workout / strength training hack, the peanut butter on apple snack, and many points of great advice about overcoming introversion and social fear. I also love the emphasis on giving, being outgoing when it's tempting not to be, and creating small moments of beauty, order, and love, from fresh flowers to clean sinks.
Number 25 is my favorite in this list!