I had to actually do the math because I’m at that age when I constantly slip into denial. Am I 55, or 56—surely not 57? But yep, I’m going to be 57 on June 5, and, while there was a time not so long ago that I worried I wouldn’t reach 55, I’m feeling better than ever, and I have to say it’s because of the way I am eating and living. For the first time in my life, I’m taking care of myself—I mean really taking care of myself. I am eating right, maybe not exercising quite as much as I should, but exercising nonetheless. I’m also trying to make sure I maintain a life balance, which is something I sucked at previously. But here we are, with days to go, and I’ve learned a few things by the eve of my 57thbirthday (metaphorically speaking). I’d like to share them, particularly for the writer community, because I think so often lately, the trend is to speed up, and do more. These are the things I wish I could have told my younger self:
- Slow down, you will not lay on your death bed and wish you wrote one more book. Have a life outside of work.
- Stop eating meat. Right now. I mean it.
- Stop eating dairy; it’s shitty for you and DOES NOT do a body good.
- Exercise more and stop working in weird positions; you’re not 10 and someday you’re going to pay for that.
- Stay away from ibuprofen; your gut will thank you.
- Establish boundaries and keep them.
- Only write what you love.
- Teach your children more Spanish; stop answering your mom in English when she speaks to you in Spanish.
- You don’t sing like a frog and you’re not taking ugly pills (thanks, Dad!)
- Did I mention work-life balance? Yeah, pay attention to that.
- Age is just a number.
- Be like a cat: live in the moment, get the hell away if something threatens you, or even annoys you, and take joy in the smallest things… yep, even that tiny ant crawling across the floor. Fascinating little creature.
- True friends will always be there and will never judge you. Don’t waste time worrying about what people think.
- Do the laundry (and all those other tasks). Procrastination will put worry lines on your brow.
- It’s okay to be weird; embrace it.
- It’s okay not to be the best at everything; accept it.
- True beauty is not skin deep; it’s a soul thing.
- If you run with dogs who have fleas, you will get fleas. (Both metaphorically and physically speaking.)
- Someday, you will have wrinkles and gray hair, but you won’t see any of them when you look in the mirror. You are eternally 18, embrace it.
- Fix your teeth; you’ll feel better about taking pictures.
- Don’t just say you love someone, feel it, and show it.
- Listen more.
- Talk less.
- Laugh more.
- Love more.
- Let go of the past.
- Don’t worry about the future.
- Take more time to just breathe.
- Stop arguing. Nobody wins.
- Eat more cacao. Chocolate is good.
That’s it! Love and peace,
Tanya
Sounds like wonderful advice. Happy early birthday! I’m 72 so 57 sounds like a youngster to me.
Hugs to you, Layne! Thank you! We’re as young as we feel, right?
Thanks for the advice. I turned 59 on February 25. You don’t look 57. You look younger. I need to do a bunch of those things you have listed. Plus make a list to follow of my own. Thanks for the push to get started. It is Father’s Day. Lost my dad in 2008. Miss him.
Hugs, Linda! So sorry. And thank you so much.
Advance Happy birthday to you Tanya! Great advices 👍 I hope you continue to do things that makes you feel good and things you love. Keep writing and have a blessed life. 🙂
Thank you, Jhommie! Hugs!
Happy Birthday, girl! I’m also June, but not telling the year. Your list is wonderful and very insightful–things we know, but don’t always practice. I’m in practice mode since I recently had a little reminder–broken arm (courtesy of my horse), steel plate, lots of screws. Getting dressed is interesting; forced me to slow it all down. So, long story short, I’m there with you. And we just had a full rainbow among unexpected rain showers where we live just south of Yosemite (unusual for this time of year). I stopped to enjoy the moments. Enjoy yours.
Happy early birthday to you too! And ouch! Heal quickly!
My daughter and I were having the conversation the other day. She mentioned me being 52 and I actually thought I was still 51. I guess the mind goes first… Laughing here. You make 57 beautiful, Tanya! Happy early birthday sweet soul. I am so glad our paths crossed all those years ago. You’ve given me so much more than beautiful stories…You’ve given me a kindness that has been rare in my life and have left a stamp on my heart. You also gave me the name my granddaughter calls me (and come January another grandchild). Minnie. 😊
Thank you, Leah! The feeling is mutual – so glad to have made a connection.
Happy belated birthday, Tanya!
I’m right there with you on so many of the things you listed. I’ve always said that age is only a number. 🙂 I’ll also be adding the ones I hadn’t thought of until I read them here.