If I Only Knew Then What I Know Now

Amid this pandemic, I turned 50! (Yes, that deserved an exclamation point) 

Oh, I had so many plans for 50. 

The best shape of my life, a finished book, long hair, and being super organized - the perfect combination of Gilbert, Kondo, and Aniston. 

But then, COVID happened - and life became completely serious and scary because that would be the ONLY reason why those plans didn't happen. 

50 - midlife, middle age, over the hill. 

I don't feel that old. I don't feel like I know enough to be 50. 

The saying goes - with age comes wisdom - which had me thinking -

Am I any wiser? 

Have I come to any conclusions, decisions, realizations?

What sage advice would I proffer to my younger self?

What do I know now that I wish I knew then? 

10. Good friends will answer their phone when you call.

Even when they know you have absolutely nothing to say. 

9. Move, even for a few minutes, every day.

Because you never know when your knee, shoulder, or back will go out. 

8. When the world is loud - go into nature. 

When your kids are loud - shut the door. 

7. The grade is not that important.

Unless it is. What can I say - college classes in your major, requirements and all that. 

6. Play to your strengths. 

You will never get the title of the best dancer by being a wallflower. 

5. Sleep begets sleep. 

Listen up new moms (old moms); the more your child sleeps, the more they want to sleep. I know it doesn't make sense, but it's true. 

4. Learning never stops.

I just learned how to make fake blood and determine the angle of blood splatter. Did I mention my son was taking an online forensics class this summer and lab assignments started with - you and your partner?

3. A relaxed mother leads to a comfortable child. (definitely wish I knew that one!)

And an anxious mother who monitors their child on Life 360 creates -- well, I'll let you know in a few years. 

2. Don't try too hard.

The biscotti will burn, the soufflé will fall, the firepit will smoke - but you will still have the time of your life if you are with the ones you love. 

1. Family is everything. 

And when friends are family, it doesn't get any better than that. 

Love and Luck,

Kg

Stay safe everyone! I've missed you and I hope you enjoy the read.