Turning 40

Lizzie Bonito
Nov 7 · 2 min read

I turn 40 soon and I’ve written down a list of advice I’d give to my children if I had any.

  • Write the angry email, save it, sleep on it, delete it
  • Reset the microwave back to zero when you’ve finished using it.
  • 9 times out of 10, a good night’s sleep will make you feel better
  • Fundamentally – you owe your parents nothing
  • Those friends who you won’t see for months but when you reconnect it’s like you’ve never been apart – guard those friendships fiercely
  • Do the thing you want to do least, first
  • Be a marathon spectator – it will change your perspective on humanity
  • In the nicest possible way – the world doesn’t revolve around you
  • Online friendships are as real and genuine as IRL ones
  • Don’t have sex with your ex
  • Never ignore a red flag
  • Eat the fucking pizza
  • Love doesn’t mean never having to say you’re sorry. Apologise if you’re wrong and mean it.
  • Grow your eyebrows back
  • If the outfit makes you swish or jump up and down in the changing room – buy it
  • Everyone can sing
  • Have a theme song – mine is Try it Out by Gino Soccio
  • If someone constantly speaks ill of others behind their backs, they are doing the same about you
  • Don’t give your trust away easily
  • Listen to people who are less privileged than you and learn to be an ally
  • You don’t always have to have an opinion
  • Always keep your promises
  • See the hygienist regularly
  • Moisturise your hands
  • Art is for everyone
  • If someone means something to you, tell them, don’t regret it
  • Exercise is not an exclusive club and fuck anyone in your past or present who even for a second makes you feel like shouldn’t be doing it
  • Don’t take too much notice of lists

I like running, dogs, disco and vegetables

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