I’m a big fan of Gretchen Rubin’s blog and book, The Happiness Project (check it out if you haven’t), and one of my favorite features is her list of Secrets of Adulthood. I agreed instantly with some of her epiphanies, such as “The best reading is rereading” and “Try not to let yourself get too hungry” (that’s a big one for me). Some of them have stuck with me, and as I’ve mulled them over, I’ve come to agree that, for example, ” You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you like to do” and ” The days are long, but the years are short.”
Anyway, I thought I’d make a list of my own – so here are some of my Secrets of Adulthood:
- It’s totally okay to say “I don’t know.”
- Mascara and lip gloss make me feel more put together.
- Wearing stilettos all day usually isn’t worth it.
- Manicures are a lot of trouble – and don’t last long.
- Always keep fresh fruit and cereal in the house.
- Doing laundry can be very calming.
- Growing your own herbs is immensely satisfying.
- You can buy your favorite things (within reason).
- Occasional pedicures are nice.
- Hobbies add lots of joy to life.
- People appreciate it when you try to speak their language (even a word or two).
- You can usually afford to travel (even just a weekend getaway).
- Related: Getting out of town often provides much-needed perspective.
- Call your mother.
- And your grandmother.
- Support libraries – and buy books.
- You can usually find $20 to give to charity.
- In many (but not all) cases, quality is worth paying more.
- Write it down.
- It is okay to like country music and admit it. (Even growing up in Texas, it’s often considered uncool to enjoy country music – but I do.)
- Free shipping is a great boon.
- Make lunch dates with friends.
- Once in a while, takeout is the BEST.
- Spending a lot on a wedding photographer is worth it.
- Avoiding caffeine in the evenings really will help you sleep.
- Rubber gloves do actually protect your hands while washing dishes.
Anyone else have any Secrets of Adulthood? I’d love to read your pearls of wisdom.
I love you list! Here’s a few of mine: The word never ends if you don’t get through everything you needed to do in a day. It’s okay to let go of dreams that are no longer relevant. Laughing together makes people feel more comfortable with each other. Cheap shoes are almost always a mistake, which you pay for with your feet, back, and good mood. It’s possible for more than one place to feel like home.
Oops! The first one should say “world” instead of “word.”
Great list! I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to accept (or even embrace) the messiness of life rather than trying to resolve every little uncertainty, and that one of the greatest triumphs of adulthood is being able to purchase that candy bar in the supermarket checkout aisle…without consulting another human being.
Love your list!! Treats of adulthood: to be able to eat sweets at any time of the day even if I skip dinner. Choose the family vacation destination. Say no and not feel guilty. Not to finish books if I don’t like them. And many more…
Happiness is “in”; how cool is that?
Maryse
I love that I get to set the tone for my family (not that Richard is out of the picture). I remember seeing a sign somewhere as a kid that said “if mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy.” That made a real impression on me. I think my children really cherish moments because of the tone I have tried to set —especially in the area of CELEBRATION. Setting the tone is a HUGE joy and also responsibility. I’m sure I set plenty of other more negative tones, but for the most part, it’s a real adult treat for me.
These are GREAT! A list like this is a little glimpse into what’s important to you.
Oh this one: Wearing stilettos all day usually isn’t worth it.
I’m standing up and applauding! Only I have expanded it to “Wearing heels simply isn’t worth it.”
It’s nothing but Hush Puppies for me from here on out.
Oh my! I agree with each and every one of these. I kind of feel like I wrote it- scary!