This Friday is my 38th birthday. Like most people, I’ve gathered a whole bunch of knowledge in my years and, because I’m generous, I’m going to share some of it with you. 38 pearls of wisdom (which is actually more clever than it sounds because I’m going to be 38 and pearl is my (hideous) birthstone), if you will. Or 38 life lessons. Whatever you’d like to call them.
You’re welcome.
- Your strengths, flaws, quirks, skills, dreams, failures…they all make you you. Embrace them all.
- Don’t worry about what people say about you behind your back. I always remind myself that if the best they can do is talk about me, their own lives must not be that interesting. Because I’m pretty damn boring.
- It’s never too late to start working on a dream.
- Goals are important. Have them. Work towards them. When you achieve them, set new ones. Never stop dreaming (while you’re at it, don’t stop believin’, either).
- Be responsible with your money.
- Travel. Experience new people and places. You never know how they’ll change your mind about something.
- Surround yourself with people that make you feel good. Ain’t nobody got time for toxic friends.
- Have a pet, even if it’s a fish. They have a way of making lonely days a little less lonely.
- Speaking of lonely, it’s okay to spend time by yourself. In fact, I recommend it.
- “No” is a perfectly acceptable sentence and it can be applicable in any situation.
- Don’t overobligate or overschedule yourself (or your children, if you have them). Know your priorities. Make time for people, places, and things that matter. Don’t waste time on the ones that don’t.
- Smile at strangers. Say hello once and awhile, too.
- Force yourself to do things that intimidate or scare you. Unless that thing is ride a horse. Then you have my permission to avoid it.
- Learn proper grammar. Then write it and speak it.
- Have good manners. Say please and thank you and excuse me and bless you and I’m sorry and cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Hold the door open for the person behind you, especially if that person is elderly or has a stroller. Don’t park in the handicap spot or the spot for pregnant mothers if you’re not one of those.
- Perfect your “autograph signature” because you never know.
- Forge friendships with people of all ages.
- Read. Books, magazines, blogs, even the back of shampoo bottles. Anything. Just read.
- Keep private matters off of Facebook.
- Watch a sunrise or sunset at least once a year.
- Know what you believe in and stand for. But don’t be a dick about it. If someone has a differing opinion, respect that.
- Vote.
- Learn to cook one great dish or dessert. You never know when you’ll need to make one or have someone you want to impress.
- Nostalgia is good but don’t live in the past.
- Practice compassion, empathy, and generosity. But don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. Know when to draw the line.
- Wear sunscreen. Go to the dentist. Eat your vegetables.
- Understand that there will be bad days. Some will be very bad. But no matter how bad they seem, they will pass. Things will get easier, days will get better and you will be amazed at how much stronger you are than you think.
- Be kind to animals.
- Personal responsibility and accountability are two of the best qualities you can have.
- Put your cell phone away when you’re paying for something. Cashiers and sales clerks are not invisible and having a conversation in front of them like they’re not there is rude and obnoxious. Your call can wait. If it can’t, step out of line.
- Do what works for you and your family and don’t worry what anyone else says (there are certain caveats like, you know, illegal behavior).
- Never pass up the chance to take a nap.
- Call your parents and grandparents.
- Don’t underestimate the value or a rainy day spent inside in your pajamas.
- Have a personal anthem, motto, quote, or saying. Use it on the days that are really hard.
- Never, EVER be ashamed of anything you’re good at. Or bad at.
- Win and lose gracefully and graciously.
- Keep a sense of humor about you. Laugh at yourself and laugh with others. Don’t take anything too seriously that doesn’t need to be taken seriously. Life’s too short for that shit.
