Ten Things I Know For Sure

As I wind down the path to fifty, there are a few things that I have learned along the way that deserve a word or two. The messages that ring true at twenty are less enduring at thirty, forty and fifty…. Less drama more pajama, that is my mantra. We old folks love to share our gems of wisdom, so here goes. The top ten things that I know for sure are:

Number One: It is almost never that big of a deal. I look back on many of the things that may have upset me in the past and I realize how trivial they now seem.

Number Two: Don’t worry about what other people think. There is an old expression that goes something like this. ”You would spend less time worrying about what other people thought of you, if you only realized how seldom they actually do.”

Number Three: Always take time to plant tomatoes. I wish that I had spent a lot less time chasing the dangling carrots and more time planting my own tomatoes. No matter how important you think you are to an organization, you can and will be replaced. There is always some eager beaver that will rise to the occasion.

Number Four: Ask for what you want. If you don’t, you may never get it. Speak up! Let it be known how you want to live, work, eat, vacation etc. No one will be a better advocate for you than you.

Number Five: Be comfortable with your own skin. Do take care when making choices. Some things like tattoos last forever, so if a mid-life crisis is on the horizon, it may be better to go for the massage, unless you are really sure you want what you think you want.

Number Six: Olive oil is better than butter. It is much healthier and it tastes better,that is unless you are making frosting. There are exceptions to every rule.

Number Seven: Better to have two desserts than six glasses of wine. You will feel much better in the morning and may actually save calories, if anyone is counting.

Number Eight: An orchestra is not needed when a piano solo will do. It is Ok to do just enough once in awhile. We can conserve our energy for when we really want to shine.

Number Nine: Even an ostrich is beautiful to another ostrich. Pick your style and go with it.

And finally……drum roll…..

Number Ten: Sometimes enough is really enough. Contentment is a valid emotion.