Several years ago I started a list of the lessons I’ve learned over the years, and added to it pieces of advice based on personal experiences, as well as what I refer to as “hot tips.” As today is my birthday, I pulled up the last version and added two more items to the list to reflect my current age. That said, I am of the belief that my pandemic-induced existential crisis means I’m actually much younger. Turning 38 sounds good to me. Or 41.

In any event, here’s the current list. - Corinne

Advice, Lessons Learned, and Hot Tips from 52 Years of Living

By Corinne

1. Love may not look like what you expected it would at the age of 18, 28, or even 38, but it’s still a precious thing.

2. The old ladies you once judged harshly for wearing bright pink lipstick now make sense: they wear what makes them happy and they choose clothing, makeup, and accessories based on the age they feel inside. With that in mind, you wear robin’s egg blue nail polish and shimmery purple eyeliner because you feel 17 in your mind AND it makes you happy.

3. You hear yourself saying “this is bullshit,” “fuck this” or “screw it” on a regular basis because you really have no tolerance for nonsense anymore.

4. You grudgingly accept your tendency to cry at the drop of a hat and make sure you have tissues or napkins in every tote bag, purse, and coat pockets.

5. You have a greater appreciation of consequences, especially as it relates to flossing your teeth.

6. Stairs have begun to annoy you, whether you are going up or down them.

7. You are moved to tears when your cousin’s and best friend’s kids call you Auntie and write you letters, send you text messages, and ask for advice.

8. You strive for the “unassailable serenity” that Edith Wharton talks about. Because even if you find an incredible life partner tomorrow, or next week, or next year, being content in your independent lifestyle, regardless of anyone who shows up to keep you company, is invaluable.

9. Don’t cheap out when it comes to buying major appliances, chocolate, shoes, or sports bras.

10. Tell people you love them and give hugs freely when a friend is in need of one.

11. Accepting yourself for how you look comes much easier…until you stand next to someone who does Crossfit.

12. You allow yourself to have fun in ways you never would have before.

13. You accept that no one is watching, so might as well do what YOU want.

14. The commitment you made in 2000 to never buying block cheese unless you were serving it on crackers, which you rarely do, has been totally worth it.

15. When under extreme stress, satisfaction can be found by curling up with your pet(s), drinking a cup of tea, and crying.

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