45 Pre-Covid Life Lessons

I'm among the lucky ones who graduated college in the 2000's, and had 20 adulting years before a worldwide pandemic. Here are 45 pre-pandemic life lessons learned, dedicated to all of you post-pandemic adulting newbs.

Lesson 1: It ain't fair out here, kids.

Don't get too caught up in who's got what. It's grossly unfair, and the playing field isn't level.

Lesson 2: Don't look too far out.

You don't have to decide what you wanna do with the rest of your life. You just have to decide what to do NEXT. Take a step. Breathe. Repeat.

Lesson 3: These are the days...the ONLY days.

We've "lost" almost 2 years to a global pandemic. Don't WAIT any longer to start living. Start NOW.

Lesson 4: Diversify your attention.

Early 20's are the time to hustle, for sure. Give work your best...but don't give it your ALL. Save the best for your people.

Lesson 5: Limit the "things" in your life.

This one is hard for me. When I'm sad, I shop. Bottom line...try to stay out of Target.

Lesson 6: Don't focus on "winning" arguments.

What got you ahead in that Sociology symposium no longer applies. Know your ethics, shut your mouth, and listen. Be open to changing your mind.

Lesson 7: If you're sad, be sad.

In my 20's I hid my emotions from most people, thinking that my vulnerability was weakness. In reality, your tears give others permission to be human. Share.

Lesson 8: Let the universe know you're pissed.

It's okay to be angry at God (or the Universe or the divine...) when everything spins out of your control.

Lesson 9: Save your dollars and energy for what you love.

Have a dream and save for it.

Lesson 10: Just eat the damn chocolate.

See #3.

Lesson 11: Come to terms with your childhood.

Shit happened, and we can't undo it. Focus on what you can control NOW.

Lesson 12: Kids need to see you cry.

These are scary, sad, frustrating times. When kids don't see us cry, they think something is wrong in their OWN heads. Show them your emotions.

Lesson 14: Question your secrets.

It's freeing to live relatively free of secrets. Think about it.

Lesson 15: The one constant...is change.

This is all part of the story. Embrace the story of our lifetime.

Lesson 16: Focus on your breath.

Better than Xanax. Better than booze. The true secret weapon for anxiety is breath.

Lesson 17: Throwing things away is freeing.

You'll never feel lighter than the night after you declutter.

Lesson 18: This is all making you strong.

Slowly...slowly...you're building resilience. It will come in handy someday.

Lesson 19: Choose to be happy. Today.

Don't wait. Nothing is guaranteed. Choose to turn happiness on today.

Lesson 20: Keep coming back.

Being told "no" will either make you stronger or make you give up. Get back UP. Every time.

Lesson 21: Use the good china.

Lesson #22: Prepare then let go.