This week’s quest for self-development saw me turning to the guru of all knowledge, Oprah. Her website/magazine has an article 20 Things Everyone Should Master By 40.
The article has sensible suggestions for all sorts of grown-up talents you really should be able to accomplish by the time you hit the big four-oh. How to delegate, how to make conversation at parties, how to make friends – at any age, simple ways to look polished … and so on.
I’ve spent the week crafting my own list of 20 things you should know before 40.
1. In the end we all embrace our inner lesbian and start wearing comfortable shoes.
2. The first sign of ageing occurs in the arms – the tuckshop lady flaps – you will learn to love little cardigans.
3. Life is too short – for all manner of crap. People who bring you down. Spending time on things you don’t like.Wasting energy on the impossible.
4. Humour can save many a dire situation.
5. Money DOES solve a multitude of problems – and the bloke who says money doesn’t buy happiness never owned a bank account with $2 in it and a pile of bills worth $2,000.
6. Just because nobody thinks it will work doesn’t mean it won’t.
7. Friendship can survive distance, competing obligations, little contact. My dream is we all end up in the same retirement home – we will rock that place!
8. Resilience is the most important life skill to acquire (and the earlier the better). ‘Cause I’m here to tell you life can knock you around a bit and the ability to get yourself back up again is more valuable than any other talent.
9. Beauty doesn’t last.
10.Change is inevitable and sometimes vitally necessary.
11. When all seems hopeless head to the beauty spa. It won’t solve the problems but at least you will moving forward with great eyebrows and manicured nails.
12. You can learn more through books than attending a classroom.
13. Life moves on, sometimes at an alarming speed.
14. Your brain has a finite amount of space, don’t take up valuable real estate trying to absorb unneccessary information, it doesn’t matter if you can’t remember your husband’s mobile phone number, that’s why speed dialling was created.
15. If you decide to have children, be prepared for them to mirror back some of your worst attributes, it’s a genetic thing, and it will irritate the hell out you, this family isn’t big enough for TWO drama queens!
16. Do what you want. You are never going to please the people with your choices, at least this way YOU get to be happy.
17. The fact you failed maths won’t matter once you get a calculator.
18. The place you call home is important.
19. Bull**** will take you further than talent every time.
20. When you decide to write a numbered list, come up with a figure than halve it. Trust me it will be easier that way.
Loved this! Even if I am 18 years too late!
I think it may be applicable whatever your age!
Great list. I agree 100%!
Glad I’m not alone with this.
Oh I loved this list! I’ve recently just learnt the day spa one, so so true!
Nothing beats a groomed eyebrows and a manicure!
I agree with you whole heartedly. I particularly believe that life is too short to put up with crap, resilience is such a vital skill and change is inevitable – glad that I have already mastered those before 40! However, I have not yet been to a day spa, I will definitely have to do that in the next 3 years…!
Beg for vouchers for Christmas!
#19 wins for me – every single time.
When I worked in the financial services industry, if I ever got into an argument or dispute where I knew I was in over my head, I’d usually fall back on the old mantra: “baffle them with bull****…”
Worked every time 😉
Joining via #fybf
I figure even if I don’t know what I’m talking about, saying it confidently makes it appear like I do!
I love this list….
So much of it I can relate to…. x
Glad you could relate.
What a wonderful list, full of truth and wisdom. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses
I’m just a wise old crone now! LOL
Yes, I am heading towards 41 now and I have embraced my inner lesbian and bought some comfy shoes – not crocs – I do have to draw the line somewhere!! 🙂
I’ll keep this list tucked away. #13 is very true so 40 is coming on quicker than I’d like to think. #15 scares me!
#15 is the reason why mothers drink. Just sayin’. Thanks for stopping by.
Love your list. You had me laughing out loud – you are right on!
So glad I gave you a laugh.
Number 19 is so sad.
Great ideas, every one! 🙂