Monday 2 March 2015

Lessons learned in thirty-six years.

I turned thirty six on Sunday. Thank you all for your kind wishes. It means a lot.
The event gave me pause to reflect on what I have learned in 36 years on this planet.
Though my oldest friend came to dinner and gave me a card which said "People who think they know everything are annoying to those of us who do", I suspect I have more learning curves to face.

Here is a hotch-potch of them. They might seem a bit trite, but they are real to me.
(and when I say you, I mean me)

  1. Seconds never taste as good as firsts.
  2. If you love it, buy it. If you are not sure, wait a while. If you are still thinking about it, buy it.
  3. Buying clothes in a size down is not an effective weight loss regimen.
  4. Trust your gut. If your gut tells you to run, then fucking run.
  5. Embrace every opportunity and take nothing for granted.
  6. Sometimes, if it is too darn hard, it is just not meant to be.
  7. It doesn't matter whether you care about what people think of you. People generally aren't thinking of you.
  8. Guilt is a wasteful emotion.
  9. Worrying never helps. Expecting the worst of every situation does not cushion the blow of the worst happening. You cannot always prevent disappointment, nor should you try.
  10. This too shall pass. The good, and the bad.
  11. 98% of people are decent. 2% are arseholes.
  12. You are not indispensable. Except to those who love you.
  13. There are pros and cons to everything in life. A good thing might also be a hard thing.
  14. When angry or upset, better to bite your tongue and walk away than say something you might regret later.
  15. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything. Smile and nod. (Except when somebody you hate is on the telly, then go nuts swearing at the telly).
  16. Exercise for vigour, for endorphins, for a challenge, but not to cancel out calories; that will take the enjoyment out of it. 
  17. Never submit to the urge to pike on exercise; 9 times out of 10 you can't be arsed, 10 times out of 10 you will feel better for it.
  18. If you are going to spend money, spend it on experiences rather than things.
  19. Pay attention to the way people make you feel. Use this as a guide to how much time you spend with them.
  20. Be interested in others and ask as many questions as you can get away with.
  21. People don't generally change.
  22. The true measure of being comfortable with a person is whether you can fart unashamedly in front of them.
  23. Learn to accept a compliment as graciously as you might give one.
  24. Rejoice in what your body can do. The way it looks will change.
  25. Make the best of what you have.
  26. Tell your loved ones that you love them, often.
  27. Fine feathers make the bird.
  28. When the shit hits the fan, it is probably not your fault.
  29. Friendships and relationships are two way streets, there needs to be mutual effort. If there is not, things need to be reconsidered.
  30. Be real true to yourself, it is exhausting to be any other way, and you will be found out eventually.
  31. If you want to sleep, sleep. 
  32. If you want to cry, cry. 
  33. If you are hungry, eat. 
  34. Quickly find the appropriate place to attend to the above three when the urge arises.
  35. Fall down seven times, get up eight. Don't give up if you cock up.
  36. Buy the good wine.
What about you? Anything to teach us? Spill.

9 comments:

  1. Brilliant advice. All of it.

    SSG xxx

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  2. Lots of wise words in there Cilla. I think the only thing I'd add is that I try hard now to drown out the background chatter. We are all so hooked into Media, Social Media, general noise, it's hard to find a bit of peace. Also 99% of it we don't need to know about. Genuine news is one thing, but most of what we're served up these days in whatever form is just distraction.

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  3. i am always surprised about the things we learn all the time - I used to think it strange when people past 30 said they learned something. I think it's important to have fun but not in the "'let's party" way but in doing what you enjoy. I see too many people do things they don't like for the sake of money/fame/acknowledgement/family duty. I also remind myself that I know very little and realize that more as every year passes.

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  4. Cheekiechops here
    Love this list though if I matched my age next birthday the list would go on and on...nonetheless, always room to learn/grow and my gf gave me a birthday card with the quote 'Excuse me, which way to Vegas" , failing a lesson learned head to vegas for some clarity...
    Happy belated birthday, 36 is a lovely age.

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  5. Many Happy Returns!
    This is an interesting list and worth thinking about. The latest little philosophical saying I've liked came from Master FF's kindy "you get what you get and you don't get upset". Really like this - and so good for children to see this side of things. A bit like Forest Gump's mother - "life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get".
    Which brings me to the saying "Life's not fair". It's true, often it isn't, but it's a depressing attitude to live by and belongs with the glass is half empty school. I'd rather just say "Embrace life! Live in the moment. Make the most of each day."
    Hope you were able to make the most of your birthday week! Best wishes, Pamela

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  6. Very wise list Cilla! :D I don't think that I could come up with as wise or comprehensive list!

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  7. Thankyou all for your comments and your takes on life. I love reading all of them xx

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  8. Happy Birthday gorgeous!!!! Wise words. Need to do number 17!!!!

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  9. WTH on #1... some things taste best as seconds.

    I think people do change but not to suit us. If you think your love, attention, money etc is enough to change someone, you are going to end up disappointed.

    #4 is something I feel so strongly about. It should be on repeat in every female's brain until it's truth. Before manners and being nice or fitting in.

    #14 I think depends on the circumstances. I've actually gotten over being silent or being the better person. Sometimes bridges need to be burnt. I think learning to pick your fight is important though :)

    Happy belated birthday.

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