So much of this list in one picture!

I am calling 49 my “good-bye” year as I gear up to say “hello” to 50 and all that this stage of life has to offer!

So I made a list.

This list is the top 49 lessons of the last 49 years. I didn’t include a few big ones like learning to walk, potty training and speech.. but they are kind of a given, mind you learning to spell anything longer than the word “cat” was fairly monumental in my life.

Anyhoo.. here we go!

#1. Laser Hair Removal. If you want to be hairless it is 100% worth it.

#2. Buy clothes that fit. Seriously, don’t even worry about that stupid number, just buy what fits, it looks better and you will be more comfortable.

#3. Cry with yourself, but have a time limit. We all need a pity party now and then, watch those tears pour down your face and have a good melt down, then move on.

#4. Love Fearlessly. It’s the only way. It will lead to hurt so bad you want to rip your heart out, but big picture totally worth it.

#5. Learn now to manage your money and learn young.  Start HERE

#6. Compliment often. Strangers, coworkers, friends, lovers! If they say, wear, do, create something you like – tell them.

#7. Say Hi to strangers. Everyday.

#8. Live for someone else, even if it’s just for a moment.

#9. Be clear in what you want, in life, love and professionally.

#10. Do the work.

#11. Celebrate the smallest of victories both professionally and personally.

#12. Be true to you but gut check often and listen to what others are saying both verbally and non verbally.

#13. Learn to shut up.

#14. Sometimes it’s okay to be totally unreasonably. Just don’t make it a habit and accept the repercussions.

#15. Ask.

#16. Praise publicly.

#17. Correct privately.

#18. Make mistakes – and own them.

#19. Find the best. Watch, ask, mimic, move on.

#20. See their faults. Accept them.

#21. Be kind, when it’s the last thing you want to do.

#22. Happy thoughts – you control your mind. (thanks Bob)

#23. Listen to all – Decide for yourself

#24. Respect hierarchy but don’t let it hold you back.

#25. Find your tribe. Love your tribe. Know it will change.

#26. Have a “go to” outfit (casual / dressy / professional)

#27. Have a “go to” fancy and comfort food meal.

#28. Quit smoking. Seriously. Shut up and quit smoking.

#29. Have an up to date passport.

#30. Cut ties. Family, friends, professional contacts. If you have to, do it. Do it simply, professionally, and with class but move on.

#31. Ask Questions. If you don’t get the knowledge you need ask different questions or ask different people. Don’t stop.

#32. Be solution driven.

#33. Try it.

#34. Make sure that person is okay. The person crying in the bathroom stall, the person that hopefully is sleeping on the park bench, the person that just seems off..

#35. Learn to speak hypothetical.

#36. Social media isn’t the enemy. The way you use it is.

#37. Apologies.

#38. What goes around comes around — sometime YOU are the come around.

#39. Lose with class.

#40. It’s not all about you and that’s okay.

#41. Help when you can and sometimes when you don’t think you can.

#42. Seek help when you need it, and do it quickly.

#43.  The only person that defines your success is you. Understand this is a blessing and a curse.

#44. You will change. Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

#45. Laugh.

#46. Do what scares you – on your own time.

#47. Leave when unhappy. Do not stay in a marriage, work situation or place that makes you fundamentally miserable, Before you leave be confident you tried to make it work.

#48.Laugh at yourself. You’re funny.

#49. Give ALL the F&C@s. The world is worth you caring.