Author Gretchen Rubin (also mentioned here) keeps a list of “Secrets of Adulthood” – principles about life she’s “managed to grasp as…an adult”.
Here are some of my favorites from Gretchen:
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good (Voltaire).
People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.
Most decisions don’t require extensive research.
Try not to let yourself get too hungry.
If you can’t find something, clean up.
You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you LIKE to do.
You don’t have to be good at everything.
You know as much as most people.
What’s fun for other people may not be fun for you, and vice versa.
People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
Houseplants and photo albums are a lot of trouble.
Never start a sentence with the words “No offense.”
Some Secrets of Adulthood from other people:
A job where someone pays you to do nothing is not awesome, it’s boring.
If you buy an item with a part that will frequently need to be replaced, go ahead and buy a replacement at the same time.
You need old friends and new friends.
And here are my Secrets of Adulthood:
It isn’t all or nothing.
If you identify your personal style, you can shop and get dressed much more easily.
The only way out is through.
You’re never the only one.
There is no “best” personality type.
Skin care and sleep – 90% of your beauty routine.
They can’t read your mind.
What are your Secrets of Adulthood?
Lotsa good stuff here. Here are some of mine:
My Secrets of Adulthood:
1. There is no Big Secret.
Most of us are just winging it (with lots of prayer, if we’re wise).
2. Pretend you’re 65+.
Try to date, parent, make important decisions and generally live your life with the perspective you imagine you’ll have at that age. There’s no rule that says wisdom is exclusively for old people.
3. Go Back to School
Don’t stop learning once you’ve grown up. In fact, some of the most important life lessons were taught to you when you were too young to appreciate them. Start from the basics, keep going and never stop.
4. Nobody Really Cares
As long as God is proud, you’re good. He’s the only One you need to worry about pleasing. All that other noise is just the bored masses who don’t really care anyway.
One more thing. Gretchen says, “You know as much as most people.” Nah, you know more. Trust me.
I love these! Thanks so much for sharing. Your #1 resonates especially.
My words of wisdom are to always check a public restroom stall for toilet paper BEFORE using it :))))) (or for extra super adult points, always carry your own tissues in your bag)
Awesome tip 😉
“If you can’t find something, clean up”. This is fantastic. I can’t claim I’ve found all my mysterious disappearances, but my house is cleaner for it!
I need to do this.