60 Things I learned in My 60 Years of Life, Part II: Off the Wall Advice, and Grab a Beer While Reading

At my age, I want to share what I know. I am not sure why. Maybe it’s because I understand life is short, unpredictable, and full of ups and downs.

And I want young people not to experience what I did or make the mistakes I made.

Earlier this summer, I wrote an original list of 60 things I’ve learned in my 60 years of life (the more serious version). When I was writing that listicle (for the first time – I usually don’t write listicles), I noticed it was hard to limit my list. So, here I am with version two from an old broad who has been through the ringer and came out still ticking, and not done yet!

I hope you find these useful and entertaining. Make sure you are not on the wall before reading.

Brush your hair every day. Gnats like unkept, loud hair.
The word “no” is a complete sentence. It’s okay to say it and mean it. There is no need for further explanation. Do not feel obligated to explain yourself, and do not feel weird about it.
Use the nice plates and silverware. What are you waiting for, exactly?
Buy the expensive sheets (if you can). They last longer and don’t fade as quickly.
Stuff your face with pizza. Yes, I said it. Pizza (vegan, of course) is seriously one of the best comfort foods that ever existed. If you can do it in Sicily, even better!
Run in a new small town from one end to the other. Or walk. It will give you perspective; the old guy smoking a pipe in dirty clothes will stare at you, and you will smile through it all.
Buy jewelry and wear it all. Jewelry is art on your body and shows others your personality.
Stick a fork in it; sometimes, it’s not important or necessary to yap constantly.
Some people will be your soul mates, and some will be your prison mates. Choose wisely.
Most things are not urgent. Make sure you are not making it “urgent” when it’s not.
If you are sick, listen to relaxing music and imagine your body healing, limb from limb, cell to cell. Imagine a light passing through each body part and hanging around the leg that hurts. The mind is powerful. Visualize yourself in full health.
Solitude is not loneliness. Know the difference, and your life will be amazing.
You are not the fixer of the universe. Only Thor is.
A margarita in hand while on a beach chair overlooking the Caribbean or the Mediterranean does wonders. Find a drink and a beach.
Don’t hang around boring people; they will bore you to death.
Eat nuts and seeds. You will not become a nut, but you will feed yourself micronutrients while you are sitting at the doctor’s office or on a park bench.
Stop stupid or harmful traditions. You don’t have to participate in them. You can create new ones that don’t harm yourself or society.
You can dislike and respect a person; these are not mutually exclusive.
Don’t wait until you are motivated. Motivation is overrated. Doing shit to get shit done is how shit gets done.
Eat olives. They grow on trees in Spain.
If you are in Asia and are a tall person, don’t look down on people.
Loudness is not strength. Strength is the person who observes, is discerning, and gives a thoughtful response. Watch how people behave.
The truth is freedom. It is also sometimes heartbreaking.
Make sure and put your stuffed animal to bed; he also needs rest.
Crying is necessary, no matter who you are or how you present. Just fucking cry already!
It’s okay not to be okay. Most of us have no idea wtf is going on at any given time.
Read lots of books so you are not an ignorant fool.
Stop asking people you just met what they do, unless it’s the right setting. This question is as old as Methuselah. Instead, ask them what brought them to wherever you are. This is less intrusive to an introvert.
Stop asking women how their kids are doing first thing. Ask them how they are. Remember, they are people, too, and they existed before their children.
You don’t have to earn your worth. You are worthy no matter your employment state, financial state, relationship state, or any other state. State your worth to yourself if you need to.
Vote every time. If you don’t, you are giving someone else the right to your life. Read this one again!
Grow a beard if you can, and then shave it off. It’s good to know you are a chameleon.
Money is not real; we only agree to make it real. Remember that when you are worshiping it.
Eat bananas. They give you potassium, and you will join all the runners who eat bananas before a race.
The bird on the hill singing or screeching is doing it on purpose.
Buy good coffee or tea. Coffee shops exist so you can know the difference.
Soft ice cream is better than hard candy (for your teeth).
Writers of the past had it harder. Respect that.
If you sit under a tree and you are warm, imagine what Buddha must have experienced.
There are only two things you need to remember in life – be kind, and I can’t remember the other one.
Everyone, and I mean, EVERYONE, is in their little world in their mind. Don’t take things too personally.
Use the fancy soap and a washcloth. Your body and your lover will thank you.
Don’t yell at anyone in traffic. It will do nothing but make you angrier.
Stick your head out of the window of a high-rise, if possible, and look around the corner. You might find a cat on the roof.
Watch the snow fall and be still. It is mesmerizing and better than sitting under a tree on a hot day, trying to be a yogi.
Grab your child and tell them how much you love them. If you don’t, one day it might be too late to do so.
If you have not shaved your legs, no one cares. They really don’t.
Bring bold ideas to the table. Don’t leave them on the chair because someone will sit on them.
The desire to eat French bread is a reason to visit Paris.
It’s okay to change your mind; some of us do it more than we change our underwear.
Take a butt-load of pictures. It is the only thing you will have to remember life’s moments that meant something.
Appreciate landscapes from the desert to the grasslands to the tundra. It is all here for you to experience.
If you have a zit on your face, it will eventually go away. People who love you don’t care.
Look at your face in the mirror and see how beautiful you are. Read this one again. Now, read it again.
You are only here for a short time. Don’t waste your time with people who don’t get you or see you.
Let music, art, and poetry speak to your soul. It’s what life is about, even if you believe money is everything.
If you cannot eat cucumbers, make pickles. Life is not all that appears before your eyes.
Time is not your enemy; an undisciplined life is.
Your presence matters. Be there. But when you are THERE, be ALL THERE.
And, lastly, your voice matters. Don’t ever let anyone shut it down.