On Turning Thirty-Sixth

On Turning Thirty-Sixth

 

Many years ago, All Gold tomato sauce launched an ad campaign in which they revealed the secret of their rich, authentic flavour, namely that they crammed thirty-six tomatoes into each bottle (or "thirty-sixth" as it was pronounced in the ad). On 18 June of this year, I turned thirty-six. I know what you’re thinking: there’s no way that face is older than twenty-six. But it’s true. And thank you. So, inspired by All Gold, I decided to share thirty-six realisations, lessons, observations that I have crammed into the past thirty-six years (in no particular order).

> 36. Music is the best tonic for a tired body, a healing balm for a troubled mind and a band-aid for a
         broken heart.

> 35. Of all the items of clothing in your closet, a pair of good quality, well-fitting jeans is the most   
         important. Get rid of those saggy-ass, regular fit jeans now!

> 34. Appreciate your hair while you have it – and spend a little extra to get it cut and styled at a
         decent salon.

> 33. Find a doctor who will actually listen to you instead of scribbling out a prescription and
         ushering you out of the door after five minutes. Then visit that doctor at least once a year for a
         full check-up and insist on blood work.

> 32. Don’t take anything personally – most of the time, it’s not about you.

> 31. The world doesn’t owe you anything so brush that unsightly little chip off your shoulder.

> 30. Religion and spirituality are not mutually exclusive and confusing the two is very dangerous.

> 29. Showing kindness to someone, regardless of how annoying or frustrating or in some cases crazy
         they are, costs you nothing.

> 28. Having a job that you love is more important than an enormous salary.

> 27. Travel is the best way to spend your money: "Wherever you go becomes a part of you
         somehow." – Anita Desai.

> 26. Keep in touch with people who are important to you. A busy life is no excuse for not taking a
         few seconds to send a message to say "Hi, I’m thinking of you."

> 25. Vegetables aren’t that dreadful - especially when they are covered in cheese.

> 24. A cup of tea is one of the most soothing remedies when you are feeling unwell or when you
         have just had "one of those days". Savour every sip as your hands embrace the warm cup.

> 23. Not everyone will like you and that’s okay.

> 22. "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of
          counsellors, and they most patient of teachers." – Charles William Elliot

> 21. Teaching is one of the most difficult professions, but also one of the most rewarding and the
          most important.

> 20. Everyone should live in another country at least once in their lifetime.

> 19. People will cancel on you for a number of reasons. Don’t let that stop you from making future
         plans.

> 18. "You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." – A.
          A. Milne

> 17. Get rid of those misshapen pairs of underwear (those that came in a three-pack) and treat
         yourself to some good quality underwear. You deserve it!

> 16. Life is too short to buy one-ply toilet paper.

> 15. Forgive those who have hurt you. Holding a grudge will only weigh you down.

> 14. There is a difference between being lonely and being alone. There are times when being alone
          is the best thing for you.

> 13. Never rely on a partner to "complete you". You do not need another person to make you whole.

> 12. You are never too old to make a change.

> 11. Don’t pay attention to gossip. Instead, feel honoured that you are that important that people are
         talking about you.

> 10. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until
          you climb into his skin and walk around in it" – Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird.

> 9. Carbs are not evil.

> 8. Living your truth is not always easy but it’s fucking better than the alternative.

> 7. Students have a lot to teach their teachers.

> 6. People don’t dance enough. As Nietzsche said, "We should consider every day lost on which we
       have not danced at least once."

> 5. Wear sunscreen. Or you will end up looking like a piece of biltong in a bikini by the time you are
       40 (that’s if skin cancer doesn’t get you first).

> 4. A mixtape (in the form of a CD compilation) is the best gift you can give someone. You are
       sharing a little of yourself with them and the songs might just be exactly what they need to hear.

> 3. Be a tourist in your own city. Never leave home without your camera.

> 2. Don’t spend time trying to capture the moment perfectly that you miss out on the moment.

> 1. If all else fails, ask yourself: What would Madonna do? ;)