As the new year approaches most of are making a list of our new year’s resolutions. Most are short lived: weight loss, exercise more, lower cholesterol, spend less money, save more money, etc, etc. But for those of us in our 30s and 40s it’s time to look inward and take inventory of our lives and see what is missing, where we can contribute, and how to be a better person.
Pamela Redmond Satran created a list when she turned the big 30 of what she wanted to tell younger women. It was a list of everything she wished she knew before she turned 30. So many huge changes happen to us all by the time we reach 40 and she has compiled a list of the “40 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 40.”
By 40, you should have:
An exercise regime.
A passport with stamps in it.
One fabulous, comfortable pair of high heels.
A well-stocked pantry, making it possible to make a meal at a moment’s notice.
A cordless drill and know how to use it.
A bucket list and be checking things off now.
A nice set of cloth napkins and actually use them.
Experienced a bad relationship and raised the bar as a result.
The perfect little black dress (or two).
Respect for yourself and others.
Laugh lines you are proud of earning.
Appropriate outfits for a funeral, wedding, interview, and cocktail party.
A mammogram annually–no excuses!
Clearly defined boundaries.
A standby meal you can whip up at a moment’s notice (from your well-stocked pantry).
An understanding of who your true friends are, limiting your energy and time with the rest.
A male friend for a guy’s perspective.
A well-worn, go-to, dog-earred cookbook that you trust and know like a friend.
An understanding of what you want out of life. And actually be working towards it.
Enough memorable life experiences to write a memoir.
By 40, you should know:
How to be happy.
What it means to be beautiful.
Who you are and embrace what makes you unique.
How to say no without guilt.
That money really doesn’t buy happiness.
How to count blessings in challenging times.
How to walk away from an unhealthy relationship (platonic or romantic).
To live without regret.
Perfection will never be attained and to be at peace with that.
A person’s actions are more important than their words.
Seemingly hopeless situations will improve with time.
How to forgive and ask forgiveness.
To embrace your past; it shaped who you are.
People won’t change no matter how hard you try to make them.
How to ask for help.
Love is not enough for a successful relationship.
To take responsibility for your actions.
To buy the fabulous, impractical shoe on sale; it will haunt you otherwise.
To avoid people who hold grudges, seek revenge, and cling to bitterness.
Life isn’t a dress rehearsal.
I, personally, think you should also know:
How to change a tire
How to change a diaper
How to administer CPR
How to handle household finances
How to file taxes (or gather up the necessary receipts for your accountant)
Know where every single dollar and all paperwork is located if married
What do you think? Would you add anything? Take anything away? Which ones speak loudest to you?
Consider this list when planning your 2012 resolutions…and have a seriously rockin’ New Year’s Eve!!
Still Rockin’ It!!
Scarlet Mom
to be with his dad so I have been soaking up every single precious moment with him. We decorated the house, put lights in the yard, and yes, we are doing the ubiquitous Elf on the Shelf. There have been many mornings that I jolted out of bed at 4am because I forgot to move that damn thing, thanking my lucky stars that I remembered just in the nick of time.
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