Winds of Change

Change is all around us. The leaves are changing. We took down our Halloween decorations. The temperatures are changing. We are on the eve of voting in a new president. We even changed the clocks this weekend.

This month also is the month that I change from age 37 to 38.

I don't claim to be an expert on life, however, off the top of my head, here are my words of "wisdom" at age (almost) 38.

• Save more. Spend less (it acts as a sleep-aid as well).
  
• Take your vitamins (we all need our calcium).
• If someone prescribes physical therapy for you--do it (trust me on this one).
• A little Clairol Nice & Easy and Olay Regenerist can be like the fountain of youth (who needs Botox?).
• Don't let your age determine how much fun you have (ride roller-coasters, dress up for Halloween and be silly).
  
• Be nice to people (kindness is contagious).
• Laugh more (it just feels good).
• Be thankful--not just for the good days but also for the lack of bad ones (a boring day is better than a drama-filled one).
• Don't make assumptions (it will always come back to bite you).
• Read more (stay informed and keep your brain active).
• Have a well-formed conscience--and act on it (again, another way of sleeping well at night).
• Don't sweat the small stuff (your team losing is not the worst thing that could happen).
• Don't take anything for granted (if you have food, shelter, clothing and someone who loves you, you are ahead of the curve).
• Smile more (but check your teeth for pepper).
• Bring a jacket (movie theaters can be cold).
• Wash your hands (because, ewwww).
• Have a plan (plan for worst case and plan for the best case, but always have a plan).
• Don't give up (even when poisonous spiders and knee injuries become obstacles).
• Sleep on it (Rest will give you clarity and your subconscious can work things out while you snooze).

and last but not least...

• When walking barefoot in your house in the summer, watch out for those long, creepy bugs with all the legs (it's like stepping on a square of jello with your bare foot--I still have nightmares about it).

Happy Fall, Y'all!