Mostly lessons learned. Some observations. Notes to self.
Over-analysis is not sexy! This year I’ve been plagued by texts on my phone, reading and re-reading them and screenshotting them and sending them to friends. It occurred to me, when I was on a flight and without instant access to scrolling, that going about my life this way is simply not beneficial for anyone!! I recommend this piece by
- it burst my digital bubble and left me with the conviction that anyone who really wants me will pick up the phone and call.Everyone is busy. There is no such thing as too busy. There is only the capacity to make time for priorities.
As you get older, the concept of having a nice vacuum is truly sexy. I have my eye on the Dyson Submarine. Dyson, it’s my birthday :)
It is ok to resonate with the Brat movement spiritually, yet physically dress like a Soft Girl
Photo: Sam Bolianatz Three hour lunches are one of the greatest luxuries in life. To dine languidly over such a significant portion of time in the middle of the day is elite behaviour, to be cherished in every sense of the word
A friendship works two ways. This goes for the outreach aspect and the in person aspect.
Come over to my house, I have great books.
Life is too short to wait for someone to do things with. Go to dinners alone. Go to the bar alone. Book that solo trip. Move cities/countries/homes.
Non-drinking social activities include: going for a run, coffee, buying a copious amount of baked goods and doing a tasting of them all, visiting a bookstore and picking out a book for one another, going to the farmer’s market and trying an item you’ve never eaten before, trail walking, getting ice cream, bowling, tennis - any social sport, really - making pasta from scratch, going to the ballet (I am a particular fan of this), going to the symphony, sitting in a backyard and soaking up the sun and gossiping over lemonade and peach pie, playing Uno in the park, playing any card game anywhere
27 is still very very young.
It is ok to just say “thank you” to a compliment. There is no need to justify or offset a kind word that someone extends your way. I find that as a woman, this is particularly engrained in my behaviour to negate or disagree with a compliment to express some sort of humility and remain “small” by perception, even if I happen to agree with the sentiment. To just say “thank you” is not an insult, it is a validation of the other person’s statement. It’s surprisingly a lot more powerful than you think to accept a compliment.
Having weeknight plans and saving the weekends for recovery is truly elite programming.
Investing in a personal trainer was an excellent decision. It was also a lesson in learning that it is ok, similar to a therapist, to find the right one. You’re paying them enough money.
Running without training for anything is the best kind of running.
A quarterly or bi-annual cleanse is nothing to be ashamed of. I enjoy the Goop Annual Detox - the recipes are really yummy. It’s just five days of prepping and cooking really nourishing food for yourself. The energy levels are unparalleled.
In every new place pick up a thrifted souvenir, preferably in the form of jewellery. Then you become known for your obscure yet ornate jewellery collection, and that feels really good.
Make your bed first thing in the morning. Then you’ve already started the day by doing something.
I’ve determined that success, to me, is going to bed exhausted with a full heart. This often occurs on long run days.
Photo: Sam Bolianatz Talk to strangers more. Some of the best memories are a result of this.
Know what art and literature and music you like and know damn well how to talk about it. Go to museums and buy postcards from the gift shop to write notes on. Spend time at the library. If concerts aren’t always your thing, try the burgeoning world of listening bars.
A Bottega intrecciatto Hobo bag is one of the greatest investments I ever made.
The most successful people in my circle are the ones that get back to me within a few hour time window (respectfully, within a work day). This surely does not come from having more time to text - they understand and respect that other people are working too and have lives to figure out.
Photo: Sam Bolianatz While it doesn’t fix most things, a good hair cut can fix a lot.
We do not evaluate men with a gymnastics scoring system. People do not start out with a perfect ten without giving any reason as to why they are deserving of that.
Calendar invite people are my kind of people!
27 is a perfect cube. What a great time to be alive.
If you experience growing pains, at least you’re growing <3
i had the exact same pair of glasses….. and happy bday!
Beautiful reflections! Happy birthday, Sasha 😊