19 Comments
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Erin O'Connor's avatar

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.

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Miriam Woodard's avatar

Number 25 is my favorite in this list!

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Ali Kennedy's avatar

I love these and found the last one particularly affirming in this season as I just changed my writing schedule so I could go to bed with my husband. Thanks for sharing!

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betsyohs's avatar

ooo, these hit me in all the right places. Fabulous list and great motivation to put some of them into action (weight lifting and RSVPing right away, I'm looking at you!) Happy, happy birthday!

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Bruna's avatar

Happy birthday!

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FQ Yeoh's avatar

Happy birthday! What a fantastic list.

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Cheryl's avatar

Happy birthday!

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Liz's avatar

I love these! I'm ten years older and can tell you that many of these ring true - especially bringing a sweater, lifting weights, talking to strangers, and a good night's sleep. I insert avocados where mangos are :) and I am beginning to embrace the cut flowers thing. I always thought they were an extravagance I could never indulge.

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Montessori: Logos & Praxis's avatar

Happy Birthday! It's my birthday today, also :)

Great list and worthwhile ritual. Will be adding to my writing today.

Have a wonderful birthday!

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Mahsa's avatar

Happy birthday! Thank you for your insights!

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Jennifer Haubrich's avatar

Great list. I agree with the vast majority of these -- but I'm a huge fan of separate beds because we can not go to bed at the same time -- or get up at the same time!

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Katherine Johnson Martinko's avatar

It's not for everyone!

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Megan Chase's avatar

If I went to bed at the same time as my spouse I would literally die of sleep deprivation…

But couldn’t agree more about the lifting weights!! And so many others. 🙂

Happy Birthday!

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Katherine Johnson Martinko's avatar

It's not for everyone, I guess!

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Megan Chase's avatar

I absolutely agree it’s for the best if you can do it! But I also think it requires two people with at least similar-ish sleep patterns and no sleep issues.

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Jessica Wortsman's avatar

Happy birthday! I love this list so much and will definitely be adopting a few of your tips. Thank you for sharing. :)

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Katherine Johnson Martinko's avatar

Thanks, Jessica!

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Ashlyn's avatar

Happy Birthday! Enjoyed reading through your list

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Katherine Johnson Martinko's avatar

Thanks, Ashlyn! Hope you're doing well.

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