Tuesday, May 26, 2015

21 Things I Would Tell the Girl Who's Half My Age

Me, half my lifetime ago.

We were at breakfast downtown on Saturday and a young woman walked inside the restaurant. I did a double-take. She looked just like me at twenty-five: pale, almond shaped eyes, tons of dark wavy hair. It was strange. I whispered to Mr. Rosenberg, "Oh my God." "I know!" he said. "Anything you want to tell her?" "What would I say? 'Hello stranger have a look - I'm you at fifty!'"

Her face has been in my head since then. What would I tell her, the younger me? Just these twenty-one things.

1. Forgiveness is the most important thing you can learn. Get good at it. Forgiveness will bring you the highest return on your investment. It will set you free.

2. Acceptance is a close second. You will not get taller. He will not suddenly be good with money. She will always be sort of messy.

3. Call your mom.

4. Don't stop yourself from doing something you're interested in just because it will take too much time. Time will pass anyway. Do that thing. You know the one.

5. Learn how to be a good friend. Your friends will save you. Keep those folks close.

6. Splurge on the good bath towels.

7. Time is precious, but don't get in a hurry.

8. The most important qualities when searching for an apartment are "Pets okay," and "Private parking included." Dishwashers are overrated. I stand by this.

9. Be independent but don't forget how to be vulnerable.

10. Do not waste your time longing for life to be different. Change it. It's never too late.

11. Your car doesn't have to be  fancy or cool. It has to drive. It's no fun looking cool, broken down on the side of the freeway. Also - know how to drive a stick shift.

12.  Do not settle when it comes to your love relationships. Pick the friendly, smart, and funny guy or gal who loves you. If you make any of these qualities negotiable, you are settling. Also, you should love the way they smell.

13. There are many different paths to your dream job but they should all begin at the bottom. There are nothing but good reasons for this.

14. Accept gifts and compliments graciously.

15. Keep a journal.

16. Volunteer. This will make you a happier person.

17. If you celebrate Christmas, get yourself a Christmas tree. Even if you live alone. Especially if you live alone.

18. That saying that God only has three answers  - Yes, not now, or I have something better planned for you is the truest thing. Remember this when you are rejected.

19. When you move, most of your boxes should be filled with books.

20. Drink your coffee outside as often as possible.

21. Don't cut bangs. Ever. Not with that wavy hair of yours. Don't kid yourself.







35 comments:

  1. Great picture (Lauren Bacall!) and excellent list!

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  2. Beautiful now and then...plus excellent advice (except the bangs, I love bangs ;) )

    This made me smile.

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  3. AH! I love this so very much! Sharing on FB!

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  4. This is a wonderful list! Especially that part about not waiting to do that thing.

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  5. Love this. Such great advice. Especially #12.

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  6. I love everything about this, Lisa.

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  7. I smiled while reading this entire list. Don't you kinda wish you could go back and give it to her? :) Thank you...

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  8. You are so wise...#4 is on my fridge for my son to read.

    Thank you so much.

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  9. Beautiful you, at 25 and 50. Print that list out and carry it with you, so you have it when you see her again. x0 N2

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  10. The list still works for me ..
    a male that is twice your age ...
    Love, hugs and blessings ...ME and the Boss

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  11. This is my favorite thing I've read this week. Oh, what I would like to say to my 21-year-old self. Like, "Hug your best friend. She won't be here forever."

    Thanks for the wise words, always.

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  12. "Yes, not now, or I have something better planned for you is the truest thing. Remember this when you are rejected."

    I just got turned down for a job opportunity that originally seemed like a set thing. I needed to read this today. Thank you!

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