51 years, 51 Notes

A birthday list of notes, lessons, and things I want to remember.

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I saw this when Kerrilynn Pamer posted it and thought it was such a great way to celebrate another year around the sun, so I decided to do the same. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things, and if I wrote this on a different week, the list might look completely different — but this is what feels true to me today.

Every year teaches you something new.
As I turn 51, I wanted to write down a few of the things I know for sure. Little reminders, lessons learned, and truths that keep showing up. Not rules, just notes.

This is how I try to live my life — with gratitude for my family, the friends who lift me up, the strangers on the internet who remind me I’m not alone, and all the everyday blessings I get to notice along the way.

Here’s my list.

1. Gratitude in the process. Trusting that I am right where I am meant to be, be it good or bad. Each moment leads to the next, and it all works out in the end.

2. Self care comes first. Whether it’s a facial or a mani pedi, regular self care is key to feeling great, and you deserve it.

3. Buy the best olive oil and condiments. It makes a difference. Finding the best soy sauce or vinegar makes an average recipe go from so so to great.

4. Don’t be ashamed of the things you start that don’t blossom. Every “failure” teaches you something essential for what comes next.

5. Hydration cures everything. If you have a headache or you’re sad, start with water. I believe hydration cures all.

6. Towels always look best when white. Simple things feel the most luxurious.

7. Compliment strangers. No matter what. On their hair. Their outfit. It costs nothing and can change someone’s whole day.

8. Farmers markets whenever possible. The produce is fresher, and nothing feels better than getting to know your farmers.

9. If you have your parents, you are lucky.

10. Drink tea. Not necessarily tea bags. Fresh mint and fresh ginger in hot water count too.

11. I don’t make my bed. I know I should but I don’t. Getting in a made bed feels great, but an unmade bed screams just as cozy to me.

12. Always have a bucket list. No matter what’s on there, it’s worth it. You never know when your manifestations will come through.

13. Donate to charities. Whether it’s with time or money, give back to things that are important to you.

14. Work on being the best spouse and parent possible. It’s so easy to take the people who are closest to you for granted. Put the effort in daily to appreciate the ones closest to you.

15. Trust in the universe. If you are at all spiritual and you feel like you get a “sign” from the other side, don’t question it. Trust that it’s true.

16. Always buy yourself a birthday gift. Because you deserve it.

17. Health is wealth. Pay attention to your body and what is going on. If you feel off, question it.

18. Organize your life. Whether it’s your closet, under your kitchen sink or your computer. Live an organized life.

19. Don’t leave trash in your car. Empty bottles and garbage in your car are such a buzzkill.

20. Travel far. Have dream countries you want to go to and make it happen.

21. Take road trips locally to discover new things and a change of fresh air.

22. Always go to the beach on New Year’s Day. No better way to see in the new year than fresh air and a bed of water. Wash away the past and welcome in the future.

23. Have lots of group texts with people you love and name the group texts something fun.

24. If you feel lonely, take up something to get you out of the house and feel involved. Volunteer at a hospital or museum. Take up pickleball or a board game group.

25. Go to new restaurants and try new food.

26. Cook. Food is love and community.

27. Periodically go through and see your autopays. Don’t pay for apps and websites you don’t use.

28. We can do hard things. You are stronger than you think, especially when you don’t feel it.

29. Love your life. See thankfulness in the small moments even when things feel really hard.

30. Box breathing helps everything. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again for 4, and repeat until your body starts to soften.

31. Be barefoot as much as possible. Walk outside. Even five minutes can change everything.

32. Keep fresh flowers in your house. Even one stem in a glass jar makes everything feel alive.

33. Don’t hold grudges. Life feels lighter when you let things go.

34. Moisturize your neck. Every day.

35. Don’t save the good candles or the nice wine for later. Use them now and often.

36. Join a book club or a cooking club. Meet new people and push yourself to read and cook more.

37. Keep a handwritten list of things that make you happy or a list of things to do. Add to it when you think of something new.

38. Sleep with the windows open when you can. Fresh air is the best air.

39. Don’t underestimate good lighting. It changes everything. Use candles and lamps often.

40. Call your friends for no reason. Just because you are lucky to have them.

41. Say yes to photos. One day you’ll be glad you did.

42. Keep learning new things. Pottery, photography or anything that keeps you curious.

43. Move your body in ways that feel good. Work out often and hard. Walk in nature.

44. Keep a notebook by your bed. Write things down before you forget them or your dreams when you first wake up.

45. Drink from a beautiful glass. It makes everything feel special.

46. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

47. Keep your fridge clean and organized. It’s inviting and easy to eat well when everything looks nice in the fridge. It’s not just about food, it’s energy.

48. Celebrate everything. Big things. Small things. Just being here.

49. Rest. Do nothing sometimes. It’s just as important as doing everything.

50. Say thank you often. For the little things, the people, the moments. Gratitude changes everything.

51. This one is for me. If you have to shave your head because you are healing from cancer, it will be ok. No matter how hard it feels, you will survive.

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