32 things Bert knows at 32

I turn 32 on Friday and thought I should post 32 things I know for sure. You're welcome. 

Don’t quit your job until you have another one. Unless you are booking a one way ticket somewhere. We can allow that.

Book one way tickets.

Have options. Have a plan B and C. Having a plan D is excessive.

I need at least 7 hours of sleep. 8 is good. 9 is a dream.

Babies are cute and kids are funny.

Read.

Make a list. It will simplify everything. In addition, if you are stuck and unsure what you want to do in life, write down everything you want to see, do, eat, accomplish, experience before you die. Then start doing the things on that list.

Don’t be lazy.

Be curious.

Ask better questions.

Listen.

Don’t be a savage. Try to have empathy.

A Skype call to your family can turn your day around.

Eat fruit.

Japan.

Music can drastically change the vibe or dynamic of a room or a get together. Play good music.

Don’t lie. I know it is easier but do you want people to say ‘Oh I like her but she’s a liar?’ No. Tell the truth; it’s refreshing and people will respect you for it even if it hurts.

Most people are generally good.

Wear sunscreen.

Go play outside.

Be with people who make you laugh, can make time fly and make you a better you.

Don’t be afraid to block delete. Embrace it.

Saving money is a good thing. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Starting is hard and daunting.

Socks and underwear are always welcomed as gifts. Where are they all going? If you wear mismatched socks, -50 adult points.

Don’t complain. It isn’t attractive, it isn’t productive. Don’t do it. Try no complaining for a day and let me know how it goes.

Fantasy football is a crapshoot and should only be seen as entertainment. Don’t get upset.

Your sports team doesn’t care about you. It’s great to cheer for a team.

Great they won the Stanley Cup. Now get back to raising your family, go outside and eat some fruit together.

We aren’t that different. The world would be a better place if we didn’t look at each other like they're from India, Portugal or Russia. How about seeing people as other humans on planet Earth who all basically want incredibly similar things for the most part: security, family, and joy.

Be the first to introduce yourself. Break the ice. Go that extra little bit to make other people feel welcome and comfortable. It will make them feel better and make you a better you.

Nobody should have to work on their birthday. It’s not right.

Compound interest is your friend so start early.

Do not play on a roof in Thailand.

Go through photo albums with older members family members before it is too late. They can shed some light on some questionable facial hair and fashion decisions.

Look out for future you. How would your 30, 50, 70 year old self want you to act? Maybe put down that Big Mac, do a few more dips or get rid of that person who you is bringing you down; just block delete them…

If we are on a subway together and we see a baby and you don’t smile, say ‘oh look how cute that baby is’ or try and make that baby laugh, this isn’t going to work.

Say yes to things/do stuff.

My mom loves me.

Writing makes me feel better so now I feel better. Happy birthday to me!

‘most of us are raised to be somebodies and what a no win-game that is to buy into, because while you may turn out to be much more somebody than somebody else, a lot of other people are going to be a lot more somebody than you.’