As promised, here is the second part of my helpful hints and useless information. As a disclaimer, I have to say that maybe I haven't actually accomplished all of these. But I am on the path.
38. Make a plan to visit somewhere that you have always wanted to go. It could be a country or a bookstore.
39. Work on a memoir, or even a scrapbook.
40. Keep some records of the past, but don't save everything.
41. Read the book "Swedish Death Cleaning." Sounds dismal but it isn't. Years ago, when I was a teen, I liked a novel that featured two spinster sisters who made sure to leave their house 'in dying order' whenever they left. I can't remember the name, and I wonder if they went out much.
42. Hang your pictures, but not too many. Every wall in my house used to look like a gallery wall. Now I'm trying to be a bit more minimalistic. The struggle is real.
43. Have something you really believe is true, but be open to other people's beliefs too.
44. Try to learn the correct way to do things, but then make adjustments. This is true in the kitchen and in life.
45. Have a regular bedtime. For me, this is one of the hardest things ever.
46. Get up before everyone else, even if it is only to have coffee.
47. Make a book of little family stories.
48. Have a little space that is just your own.
49. Visit your happy place. Mine has always been a bookstore. Especially the ones where nobody talks to me. And a coffee bar is a plus.
50. Have something that you do everyday.
51. Rituals are important. Especially little ones.
52. Pick a goal. Every day do something that gets you a little bit closer to it.
53. Do something that scares you. And then remind yourself that you never have to do it again.
54. Take your turn. I saw a sign on a narrow road near my house that says "Take turns". I love it. It sounds so much like signs I've seen in England.
55. Only compare yourself to yourself.
56. Take enough photos.
57. Have a favorite: place, book, food.
58. Always try new things. This applies to places, books, and food.
59. Compliments can make a person's day. Be generous with your kind words.
60. When you have a brilliant idea, write it down right away.
61. Keep a small notebook with you and on your nightstand. It's amazing how quickly those brilliant ideas can disappear!
62. Don't be afraid to love with your whole heart.
63. Don't feel like you need to swear. It has become the popular mode of conversation. I like to save my obscenities for the times those words are really necessary.
64. Re-read a favorite book from your childhood. It's good to see it as an adult.
65. Become an expert at something. It's your choice. I've heard that you become an expert after doing something 1000 times. Or 10,000 times. You will know.
66. Mise en place. This French culinary term means to gather all your ingredients and to have everything in place before you begin. I think it can be used in many other situations. Not just cooking.
67. Leave a legacy. And I don't mean money.
68. Three ring binders and sheet protectors can really be useful for random organizing.
69. Start sending cards to people again. Especially for no reason.
70. I think we should all decorate with buntings and garlands. There is nothing quite so festive.
71. I got through the saddest times by telling myself "Don't think. Don't think" when I was with other people. And then I fell apart whenever I needed to. Probably not the best advice, but it worked.
72. The words I've hated the most are "You're so strong".
73. Using white out tape in a calendar or address book is a genius idea. I don't know why I never thought of it sooner. (Thanks Tricia.)
74. Always, Always tell your people that you love them.
75. My favorite quote. I think it is from Cinderella.
Have courage and be kind.
Where there is kindness, there is goodness
And where there is goodness, there is magic.
No comments:
Post a Comment