Wait, I’m how old? 34? Ok, that’s not that bad, but that means I’m almost 35 and then soon I’ll be 40. Hm. Time to reflect.

5 Things I Wish I Knew (Or Paid Attention To) Sooner

1. Listening Is As Important As Talking

I talk a lot. Listening more would get me out of trouble and I may just learn something from the most surprising characters I meet. I’m sure it would also have a positive affect on my marriage and close relationships.

2. Focus On Female Relationships

Please excuse the salmon-colored formica countertop

I was a tomboy. I grew up with two older brothers and loved rough-housing, wearing hats ‘n boots and getting dirty. I had a core group of girlfriends, but would ditch them while they watched MTV so I could play soccer with the boys. It felt like the best of both worlds.

Now that I’m older, I see how the male relationships that I’ve cultivated are not as close as some relationships I have with my girlfriends. When in crisis you need a girl to listen to you yap yap yap for hours.

3. Work Out!

I’m still upset that I haven’t kicked my butt into getting into a workout regimen. I always come up with excuses or make the poor choice of opening my laptop first thing in the morning. If I postponed my laptop ritual by an hour I could burn at least 400 calories doing something, anything.

This morning I did Pilates and already feel like a million bucks! I hope I keep it up, so I’m giving you the right to harass me on Twitter and ask me if I did any morning activity, please, it might keep me in check.

4. Say No

Saying yes to everything is just ridiculous. I say no to a lot of things now, but in the past I thought I had to be everywhere all the time. In the end, everyone takes a piece of you and you’re left exhausted. Now I say no to things that won’t be very fulfilling and especially if I have other priorities.

‘No’ means more time for yourself, your partner, less stress, less bullshit and you get to focus on more meaningful things.

5. Sunday Is A Day Of Rest

Relaxing with the locals in Maui

I’m not saying to stay in bed all day, but hey, if that’s your jam then go for it. I grew up in a never-stop kinda house, so when Sundays come around I feel like it’s Monday and I have to conquer the world.

I have to constantly tell myself not to feel guilty for doing absolutely nothing. Slow Sundays don’t come around that often due to travel, but when they do I need to embrace a slower pace.

6. What about you?

So, those are some things I wish I knew. What habits or characteristics did you wish you adjusted to sooner? Wearing sunscreen and drinking water also hit the list.

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