40 Things About Turning 40
I must have been around six years old and hearing people talk about being 40. First I remember thinking, damn that's so old. But the silver lining, I had decided, was that by the time I'm 40 I will have accomplished dozens of epic things that "old people" do.
"The first forty years of life give us the text: the next thirty supply the commentary."
Arthur Schopenhauer
The Text: 40 Years of Advice
It turns out 40 really isn't that old, and the definition of "accomplishment" will be redefined a million times during those 40 years. Nobody's journey is a straight line, it's more of a schizophrenic's thought pattern with alot of starts and stops and redirection. Here are the Top 40 things I learned over the last 40 years and wish I could tell my 20 year-old self.
Listen to the whispers in your soul
You are worthy (and add tax)
Be proud of yourself
It's okay to want more (except Oreo's, there's a limit on that)
Go dance forgoodnesssakes
Being vulnerable is being strong
Always trust your intuition
Keep perspective, it could be worse
Choose happiness. Every. Damn. Day.
Your mental health is important too
Play more
Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes
Take absolutely no bullshit
Be nice to your brother
Hold the door for someone
Pet the dog (all the dogs)
Help others every chance you can
Forehead kisses are special
Buy the shoes
Drink more water
Wash your face before you go to bed
Be generous with your love
Know when to rest & when to quit
Use your damn blinker
When you don't know what to do, pray
Go on vacation
Take lots of pictures
Spend more time with people you love and less time at work
Write the book
Be resourceful - everything is figureoutable
Stand up for the things you believe in
Learn how to cook (no, cereal doesn't count)
Apply for the job
Take the stairs
Try something that scares the shit out of you
If the dress has pockets you should definitely buy it
Always have sticky notes on hand
Caramel popcorn WILL change your life
Be brave
Tell me your Top Things?