35 things I’ve learned in 35 years

23. You are a delicate flower.

“Late summer flower” by James Wainscoat

1. You can always make up for lost time, except when it comes to people. You can catch up at work or learn a new hobby, but friends and family won’t be there forever.

2. Nothing good gets away. We’ll all suffer heartbreak that’s out of our control, but we’ll also lose things that weren’t meant to be and rediscover things and people that were.

3. The first draft is bad. Get used to it, power through it, and get better at it.

4. The language in your textbook is not the language that they’re speaking. If you want to learn it, you’re going to have to get lost and ask a farmer for directions from time to time.

5. You have to pick - heels or flats. It’s as true for tailoring as it is for life. If you try to please too many people, the pants aren’t going to fit. 

6. No one’s ever regretted getting dessert. 

7. Good teachers are unforgettable.

8. So are jerks. Don’t be a jerk.

9. If, on the rare occasion, you find yourself being a jerk, apologize. You’ll always feel better after apologizing.

10. Pay attention to what gives you energy.

11. Cut out the people and responsibilities that drain it.

12. You’re not afraid of consequences, you’re afraid of living with regret.

13. There’s no such thing as being overdressed.

14. If you talk less, people will listen more.

15. Living walking distance from good friends is harder than it should be, but a good hack for easy fun (and getting into your apartment when you lose your keys).

16. After all, “I’m supposed to be foraging for mushrooms outside a walkable community of 100-150 people who know each other by name and share burdens of infrastructure, healthcare and child rearing based on abundance, not scarcity, and so are you baybeee.”

17. You’re not going to wear that shirt. Stop overpacking.

18. It’s not too late to start.

19. Sometimes we get what we want and it’s more than we bargained for. Sometimes we don’t go for what we want because we’re afraid something like that might happen. You won’t know until you try.

20. You can trust yourself. If it feels like you’re in a horror film, run!

21. Brothers stick together. As true now as it was then. Family’s got your back and so do friends who become family.

22. Saying yes or no more isn’t a sustainable strategy. Boundaries are.

23. You are a delicate flower. Water, sun, sunscreen, and a cool breeze go a long way.

24. AI, crypto, NFTs, and whatever comes next aren’t real, but people are. You’ll never go wrong investing in people.

25. There are only weirdos and those who hide it better than others.

26. The brain’s job is to keep you alive, not happy.

27. Getting to know yourself is hard work, but it’s worth it.

28. The past and future don’t exist.

29. A few keys to happiness: dogs, live music, good conversation.

30. They’ll take as much as you give them. Save a little for yourself.

31. Don’t let the high of relief distract you from the truth of despair.

32. It’s ok to dream a little bigger.

33. Fairytales exist.

34. Love is worth it.

35. Age is subjective.