I keep seeing these lists of "life hacks" and stuff like that. But what if you're not 25? All those lists seem irrelevant to me- I'm a few years outside of their target demographic. So here's a list that's from me and the reason I'm posting it is to serve as a reminder for me.
- Use conditioner.
- Don't neglect your eyebrows. If you're concerned about aging, use a brow powder. It will take years away immediately.
- Your skin changes colors with the seasons. So should your foundation.
- If you say, "be honest." to a friend/sister/mom/coworker, expect them to be honest. Don't be butthurt when they are.
- If they're not honest, ask someone who is.
- If you don't want the truth, ask yourself what you are afraid of.
- Recognize that you have the freedom to make choices.
- Recognize that you are not free from the consequences of those choices, either positive or negative.
- Apologize when you've done something wrong.
- Don't apologize when you've not done something wrong.
- Buy clothes that fit well.
- If they don't fit well, either get rid of them or get them tailored.
- Don't keep clothes because you spent a lot on them. If they are out of date, faded, or just in general look bad, let it go.
- Don't buy something just because it's on sale.
- Don't apologize for your taste in music.
- Don't apologize for who you are.
- Comfort does not always equal sloppiness. Wear what makes you comfortable but be neat.
- Jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly acceptable.
- Don't wear tennis shoes, running shoes, sneakers, trainers, whatever you call them- with boot cut jeans.
- Read more.
- Listen to podcasts. Especially ones that make you laugh.
- Give to charity. You'll feel good about it and have a tax deduction.
- Save some money.
- If you're loyal to a brand, subscribe to their emails. Take advantage of their discounts and bonuses.
- Your feelings are valid.
- Your gut instinct is valid.
- While your feelings & gut instinct are valid, it's not always wise to display them publicly.
- Be skeptical.
- Consider the information you're sharing. It can be used against you.
- It's ok not to love someone as much as they love you.
- You need people in your life who love you as much as you love them. Find and cherish those people.
- Friendships have the same arc as romantic relationships. It's ok to let them go.
- It's also ok to grieve those friendships.
- As you get older, you'll realize it's easy to alienate other women by asking, "where do you work?" Try phrasing it differently, "Do you work?" is a safe choice- it gives them the opportunity to say what they want about their career choice (or lack thereof).
- Whether you carry a huge purse or a tiny wallet, make sure what you need fits inside. An overstuffed handbag looks ridiculous.
- Subscribe to a fitness email- even if you don't read it, it will remind you to get active.
- Find a physical activity you enjoy and do it.
- Become part of a team- either at work, or elsewhere. Independence is good, but teamwork reveals things that you need to know.
- Honor your commitments.
- Realize when your commitments are draining you and excuse yourself gracefully.
- Learn the phrase, "I'm sorry, that won't work for me." and then use it.
- Glitter is the herpes of the craft world- if you love it, use it anyway.
- Learn how to use power tools- especially a drill & circular saw.
- If you're learning from the internet, watch more than one tutorial video.
- When making a choice that affects others, prepare to defend your choice. You may not have to in public, but you will quell your self doubt.
- Know that sometimes you'll have to do things you won't really want to do but that won't hurt you to do them. Look for the benefit in doing them anyway.
- Find people who share your sense of humor - or at least appreciate it.
- Hopefully, the same people will be ones with which you can disagree and still remain friends.
- Makeup can be fun and you are not less of a strong woman if you enjoy it.
- Dance at weddings, even if you are a crappy dancer.
- Be proud of where you come from.
- Be proud of where you're going.
- Accept that weight loss will not make your life better.
- Don't put your life on hold for anything- better job, more money, weight loss, relationship. You may find what you want when you're doing something completely unrelated.
- Make goals.
- Reward yourself for reaching those goals.
- Establish traditions for yourself.
- Embrace change.
The next part is the if you're a mom or ever plan to be a mom section. - Be the kind of mom your kid(s) need, not the kind you wanted.
- Don't tell your kid(s) that they will be good at something before they do it. They might not be good at it.
- Don't force your kids to bring younger/older brothers/sisters along when they play with their friends. Let them be their own people.
- It's ok to enjoy time away from your kids.
- Your kid(s) will get mad at you. That means you're doing your job.
- Be a good example- what you do is a lot more noticeable than what you say.
- Hold your kid(s) to a high but not unattainable standard.
- You will fail at parenting. Learn from it and let it go.
- Rewarding every little effort sets kids up for failure.
- Encourage your kid(s) to continue what they enjoy even if it's not a choice you would make for them.
- Make sure your kid(s) learn the value of honoring their commitments.
- Don't force your kid(s) to do an extracurricular they hate. But honor the above - if they're in the middle of a season or production or whatever, they should finish it. (See also: teamwork)
- Teach your kid(s) manners.
