37 Things I Know At 37

1. Where you come from shapes where you end up, one way or another.
2. Better living through chemistry is not only possible, but transformational.
3. Living the unexamined life sounds kind of restful sometimes, but who are we kidding.
4. Heartbreak is not fatal.
5. I am lucky that I escaped my bar years without becoming a drunk–or becoming dead.
6. We should all read more poetry.
7. I have the best mother and sister in the world.
8. In my head, I feel as young at 37 as I did at 17 ( except in some of my joints.) It is shocking to realize I’m not, and I mean truly, deeply shocking.
9. My anti-authoritarian streak might prevent me from ever being happy working for someone else.
10. I’m still sure I’m supposed to have kids, but I’m no longer sure I’ll be able to make it happen.
11. The sticky toffee pudding at Queen Vic on H Street is the best thing there is to eat in DC.
12. My idea of what a successful life looks like for me is much simpler than I ever imagined it would be…but simple doesn’t mean easy to attain.
13. I’m not an atheist.
14. Well- groomed eyebrows magically improve everything.
15. I should have pursued a truly, boldly creative life.
16. Never skimp on Ziplocs, trash bags, Kleenex, or toilet paper. The cheap versions suck.
17. Caring about how much other people like me has been the single most limiting factor in my life. I wish I knew how to stop.
18. Writers write. Me too.
19. Things are connected in irrational and inexplicable ways. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
20. Emotional intelligence is the best kind of intelligence.
21. Finding someone to fall in love with is only one tiny part of the battle.
22. Prescription sunglasses are the bomb.
23. I should have taken much better care of my skin when I was younger. Now, putting my makeup on in direct sunlight ruins my day.
24. I need to increase my tolerance for discomfort from its current level, which is zero.
25. I really, really, really want to live abroad at some point.
26. Friendships last for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Believing this lessens the pain of the ones that can’t go the distance.
27. Sex should often be funny.
28. Err on the side of kindness. You never know what’s going on in people’s lives.
29. I need to become, simultaneously, much more open and much more armored if things are going to go the way I need them to.
30. Hating my younger self for her poor choices is a waste of energy, but hard to stop because OMFG what a weak-willed, short-sighted idiot.
31. Always, always, always go to the funeral. There is no busy/awkward/they won’t notice excuse that is acceptable. Learning how to deal with grief is an essential part of being a grownup.
32. Grating nutmeg freshly each time really does make a huge difference.
33. Orgasms can cure headaches, insomnia, boredom, and sadness, especially if someone else is in the room with you.
34. Class warfare is a real thing and if you don’t think so, your staff definitely does.
35. Just sing if it makes you happy. F-ck the haters.
36. Actually, f-ck the haters in general. But not with your loins.
37. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so set a pace you can keep.

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