40 Things I've Learned in 40 Years

1. The first half of life is about acquisition.  The second half is about loss.
2. If you are fortunate enough to be in a place where they sell Herr's Salt and Vinegar chips buy a family size bag.
3. Interesting people are interested.
4. Always carry snacks on your person.
5. People never really go away so don’t be a dick. Wish I’d learned that sooner.
6. It’s all a hell. Choose your hell.
7. Lunch is at 10:30.
8. Nothing good happens after 9 a.m.
9. Being resourceful is more important than being smart.
10. The worst songs are “Happy” and “Smooth” and you should point this out to whoever is around whenever they come on, which happens far too frequently.
11. Life is short but also long and it’s important to think about death every day.
12. A matinee with M&Ms dumped directly into the popcorn is a staycation and no one should know where you are.
13. Klonopin is proof of the existence of god.
14. Wherever you go, have a nemesis. It makes things fun!
15. “Having good taste” does not a personality make.
16. The change of the seasons only gets more unbelievable each year.
17. I use a lot of adjectives to mean the same thing: staying in this 24 hours, do the thing that is right in front of you. It all means presence.
18. Write it, regret it, say it, forget it!
19. When you are hiking in the Andes and you see an abandoned horseshoe, pick it up even though it will add extra weight to your bag.
20. Lemon zest is an excellent secret ingredient in just about everything.
21. A lighter touch is almost always the answer.
22. They aren’t thinking about you so don’t waste time feeling self-conscious.
23. Ethics, paradox, and motivation are among the richest topics to consider.
24. You cannot miss the things that are meant for you.
25. Inheritances of trauma, big and small, are real. And while you can never shake them entirely you can work on them.
26. You probably just need a nap, a crap, and a snack.
27. Re relationships: being able to decipher between “this person is awesome” and “this person is awesome FOR ME” is crucial.
28. Bonnie’s eyes are the eyes of every animal and they are the eyes of love.
29. Don’t get the tattoos.
30. The weather will change.
31. Your thoughts aren’t always true. Often they aren’t.
32. Some kind of spiritual practice is necessary.
33. Gossip is a life force.
34. Fuck ‘em if they can’t take a joke.
35. You have to put more effort into remembering the good than the bad.
36. It’s impossible to fully appreciate some things while you have them: being young; the expanse of being single; the drudgery of little kids, so disregard people who tell you to enjoy them.
37. Anxiety is an unreliable narrator.
38. Realizing what you need and making sure you have it makes your life better and most everyone else’s too.
39. You can’t think your way out of the pain of being human.
40. If you think you’ve gotta go, go.
 
My birthday is technically tomorrow, still plenty of time to learn more. 40+ friends: Do me a bday gift and send me what you learned in your first four decades!
 
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Jean sent me this amazing NY Mag piece from 1975 upon which the new Rachel Weisz tv show is based. WEIRD AND CREEPY!!! Giving Homer & Langley vibes.

What are you recommending these days?