So this is 28
Well, it’s finally happened. I’m officially in my late 20’s (28, if we need to get into specifics), and I’m kind of freaking out about it.
When I was younger, I thought that by 28, I’d be a full-fledged adult with a house, a husband, kids and a puppy or two. Let’s just say I’m very much a “work in progress” form of adult right now.
Even though there’s still so much more I have to learn, I thought I’d share 28 things I have figured out over the past 28 years in case they’re helpful to you.
- Read as much as you can. Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, JD Salinger, Edith Wharton, Jean-Paul Sartre, F Scott Fitzgerald. There’s so much inspiration you can find in a good book. Plus, it’ll make you a better writer.
- Spend quality time with your siblings, even if it’s just bingeing the latest Netflix show together.
- Sometimes, it’s ok to do nothing. Even though it goes against today’s constantly busy, hyper-productive culture, there’s value in being still. Meditation isn’t just a fad. It really works.
- “Dry clean only” labels don’t necessarily mean you have to dry clean your clothes, unless it’s wool, silk or it’s just too expensive or sentimental to risk it. You can get away with selecting the gentlest cycle and coldest temperature and then hanging it out to dry. I’m embarrassed to admit that I only recently figured this out. I also love the Wool and Cashmere Shampoo from the Laundress for hand washing my delicate cashmere sweaters.
- There will come a day when you look at your parents with a newfound appreciation and realize that they really did always have your best interests at heart. And if you’re lucky and have amazing parents like mine, they’ll treat you to a delicious home-cooked meal whenever you visit.
- Your career can be inspiring, invigorating and fulfilling, but it isn’t everything. And it doesn’t define who you are or your worth.
- Drink more water. Seriously. Put those 7 or 8 beautiful water bottles you bought to some use.
- Invest in a well-fitted black blazer. It’ll be a life-saver for job interviews, work conferences and anytime you want to look a little more polished and professional.
- Find someone who makes even the most mundane things like grocery shopping and running errands seem fun. That’s true love.
- Which reminds me, don’t wait to do your grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s on Sunday nights. Just don’t do it to yourself.
- Keep your resume up-to-date, even when you’re not job hunting.
- Your mental health comes first. Always. Take care of yourself.
- Learn how to cook one really sophisticated dish. It can be your go-to for dinner parties and get-togethers, and your friends will be so impressed. Ours is a 15 minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
- Being introverted is not a bad thing. Limiting yourself because you’re afraid of what might happen is.
- Don’t check your work emails first thing in the morning. Note: I’m still working on this.
- Discover what your go-to karaoke song is.
- Invest in a good haircut, but don’t throw away your entire paycheck on it.
- Treat your parents to dinner every once in a while.
- Keep an assortment of fun, quirky thank you and birthday cards on hand.
- Pick up a new skill or hobby (a few on my bucket list are playing with watercolor, knitting, photography and signing up for my next triathlon). You don’t even have to be good at it. Just try it.
- Spend your money on experiences, not things. It’s ok to throw down hundreds of dollars on travel or concert tickets because those memories are worth every penny.
- Lists are your friend, but you don’t have to check off every single thing on them.
- Travel as much as you can afford. And not just to the touristy places, but to lesser-known destinations that will teach you how people in different parts of the world live.
- Know your value system and what you care about and stand by it.
- Invest in a 401k the second you get your first adult job, establish a budget and actually stick with it.
- Naps are perfectly okay.
- Live an active lifestyle. That doesn't necessarily have to mean hitting the gym everyday. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or saying "yes" next time your coworker asks if you can join their pickup soccer game. I find that when my body is moving, my mind feels more settled and at peace.
- Spend less time worrying about your performance and how other people perceive you and more time loving yourself and being kinder to others. Do this and everything else will fall into place.