I recently turned 40. As I enter a new decade, I wanted to create a list of a few things that have made my life a little sweeter during this era.
1. Plan the thing. The party, the dinner, the road trip. Just schedule it. Then watch yourself naturally take steps to complete it. Don’t wait for the right time.
2. Tomyum Soup. Thailand’s famous hot and sour soup that I ordered in Saskatoon while I was under the weather. As I enjoyed the smells and taste of its bold flavour, it took me back to my travelling 20s. The memories flooded back. Scientists estimate that we remember about 5% of what we see and possibly as much as 35% of what we smell. Time to stop to smell the roses, the fruit in the grocery store, the wine, the coffee beans… you get the picture.
3. Do the hard thing with a friend. There is nothing more fun or funnier than doing a crap job with a friend. There’s almost always some laughter along to get you through to the finish.
4. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Predict the best-case scenario. Think of the absolute best outcome. Rewire your brain to see the finest in all things.
5. Scheduling texts for the morning. I seem to always think of a message I need to send to someone at night. Thankfully Apple has created scheduling. A game changer.
6. The beautiful esthetic that is the Italian designed Smeg products. I just ordered their kettle for my grandpa’s infamous tea times. If you’re in the market for a kettle I highly recommend waiting for Black Friday sales. I saved $100 on the listed price. Slow shopping baby. Pays every time.
7. Make it from scratch. I know cooking and baking aren’t for everyone, but there is so much pleasure in the domestic arts if you create the space for it. So go ahead and grind the beans, mill the wheat, boil the bones, blend the almonds.
8. Go to live theatre. With online streaming service options saturating the markets I have increasingly felt a pull to live entertainment. The preparation and performance that is required for live theatre plus the in-person exchange that happens is such raw experience from what most of our lives are full of. I try to get to the Persephone Theatre at least once a year and no matter the plot it always inspires.
9. Do it without asking. Prep the meal for the new mom, babysit your niece, shovel the walk for the neighbour. It feels special to do something for someone who hasn’t had to ask for it.
10. Laugh as much as you can. Sometimes the best medicine is more laughter. The stand-up comedian, that comedy series, the funny friend. Get more of it. I’m watching You’re Cordially Invited with Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon tonight. Sure to be a knee slapper.
11. Try new things. Always.
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