Anne Lamott is the author of Bird by Bird, a beautiful book about the process of writing. She has also given several TED talks about life, writing, and her experiences. "12 Truths I Learned From Life and Writing" is one I recently encountered on the TED app. (this app- HIGHLY recommended for anyone with insatiable curiosity or looking to be inspired) This talk got me laughing and thinking, and I was moved to write in a similar format. The link to the talk is here (https://www.ted.com/talks/anne_lamott_12_truths_i_learned_from_life_and_writing) if anyone feels like checking it out! I hope you enjoy- my version and hers.
Argue constructively. I have found that resolution is hard to find when we simply make angry noise in someone's general direction. Do not use the other person as a dumping ground for your anger; rather, address the issue specifically.
Everything tastes better with peanut butter. I challenge you to find a sweet or savory dish that isn't made better by a spoonful (or 5). And in honor of this food group, I say this: eat what you love. Say yes to dessert, and for Pete's sake- dig in on Thanksgiving Day. Just find a way to do it without negatively impacting your overall health. And maybe learn to cook veggies in a way that makes you drool (roasted, with garlic and olive oil please!)
There will be people who refuse to love you, despite your best efforts. All this means is that you are meant for different dance partners; it says nothing about your beautiful soul.
Outside is a wonderful place. I recommend spending time here every day, to decompress and detox. We are exposed to a myriad of inputs, opinions, and so much noise- nature is the yang to this chaotic yin. Nature gives us this, and we owe respect in return. Let's recycle, seek out renewable energy sources, and support innovations that will reduce our footprint.
Change is hard and it is good. It is the most challenging in that moment of inertia, right before you take the plunge. I promise you, the icy water that awaits? It will bring more relief than pain. We are good at imagining the worst case scenarios that change could bring; we are much less good at understanding the negative impacts of the status quo. Shake it up, shake it out.
You will make bad decisions. You'll learn how to forgive yourself, how to practice unconditional self- acceptance. We are so self- critical that it is necessary to radically love each other. When you witness someone's mistake? Show them the compassion that you yourself would crave.
Stretching is always a good idea. It clears the waste from our muscles and encourages good circulation. It keeps our bodies limber such that we can embark on adventure and move gracefully through the years.
Ask questions. Learn about everything that sparks your passion. Satiate your curiosities through experience and books and people. Follow down paths of interest, acquiring knowledge and skills along the way.
Laugh all the time. Let it be contagious. Let it give your abbs a workout and bring tears to your eyes. You deserve these moments of letting go.
Say things out loud. Say "I love you", with words and gestures. Seek out vulnerability and connection. Give strangers compliments; give yourself compliments. Verbalize and vocalize your insecurities, feelings, and ideas. You never know what will come of it, and that is the whole point.
