Since I made fun of how I was showing my age in the blog yesterday, I figured today I would highlight the ways that getting older has made me a better person:
- If a book I’m reading doesn’t interest me after, say, the first few chapters (or earlier!) I now give myself permission to abandon ship and return it to the library, unread. I think, “You’re not a bad book, you’re just not the book for me right now” and I feel better about it.
- I don’t save many things for a “special” occasion – think: candles, wine, good food – I use it up because right NOW is a special occasion. Who needs a bunch of candles that I’m going to light “someday” instead of today?
- When I don’t want to work out but know I ought to, I first try framing it as “I GET to work out”. When that doesn’t work (and it usually doesn’t, and yes, I understand the privilege of that), I use the 10-minute rule: after working out for 10 minutes, if I still don’t feel like it, I’m allowed to quit. That way, if I truly need a rest day, I’ve got a way out and I’ll know it. But usually? The workout gets done.
- I have far fewer f*cks to give about so many different things. I can’t say that I’m immune to reacting to what other people might think about me, but I care SO MUCH LESS about it than I used to. Especially if it’s about conforming to a norm that has no reason behind it other than “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
- A thing that I learned during my triathlon life: DFL > DNF > DNS. In plain English, coming in dead last is better than not finishing which is better than not starting. Even shorter: something is always better than nothing.
- There are no good foods and there are no bad foods. It’s all just food. It’s us humans that try to ascribe goodness or badness to it. Eat the food you want. Note what makes your body feel good. Eat more of that.
- Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I’m an Instant Pot evangelist. It changed my life! And I realized how much I enjoyed having home-cooked meals and how much I look forward to leftovers for lunch. It’s the little things, people.
- While I’m not immune from wanting the latest, coolest shiny gadget, I’m spending more of my money on travel and experiences. Nothing compares to the memories made with family and friends exploring and doing new stuff. Science backs me up, too – experiences bring more happiness than buying things. Of course, if you’d like the experience of buying me something, you’re more than welcome to.
- I am no longer ashamed of having the bedtime of a second grader! Sleep is a wonderful thing and once I accepted how good sleep made me feel, I became a better person because of it.
- As the old saying goes, count your blessings. There will always be folks who are better off and worse off than me, but that’s not my concern. My job is to admire the sunrise and sunset, gasp at the full moon, smile at my neighbors and work to make the world a better place, in my own little ways.