“A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“I do not know everything; still many things I understand.” Goethe
“Thanks for giving birth to me Mom.” Genevieve
This week is my birthweek. I say week because I plan on celebrating for 7 days and 7 nights…well…7 days anyway…I’m getting old and I need my sleep.
Here’s a mostly harmless confession for you: This year I turn 35. This is a BIG HUGE GIGANTIC number for me and not just because I’m playing with the font size. I can’t exactly explain why. Maybe it’s because it seems like such an official authoritative age. It boldly says I AM AN ADULT. And strangely enough…I feel like one. Stranger still, finally getting in touch with my mature roots doesn’t freak me out at all. Seeing my white roots however, does.
So, in the spirit of having slowly but surely transformed into a somewhat mature adult, I would like to share with you some valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years:
1. Never eat yellow snow. Anyone who lives in a country where the winters last anywhere from 6 to 8 months per year knows this is worthy information. It’s a lesson that Canadians learn at a very young age, and continue to apply over a lifetime. Unless there’s drinking involved.
2. Be polite and nice. It’s shocking how well you’ll get along with people when you’re courteous. And because folks remember you fondly as being that nice girl, you’ll go through life with most of them being nice to you in return. Of course serial killers also have the reputation of being polite and nice, but this should not deter you.
3. Work hard for what you want. Don’t ever think anything will be handed to you on a silver platter. If you want something, work for it. The satisfaction you’ll get from the fruits of your labour is incredibly satisfying. Of course winning the lottery would be too.
4. Always walk into a room believing you have every right to be there. And you do. You’re just as good as anyone else in the room so by all means, walk right in with a smile on your face and make eye contact with everyone you meet. Unless of course it’s an operating room and you are not a surgeon. Do you really want to be escorted out by security…again?
5. Saying no does not make you a bad person. Women in particular feel bad when they have to say no. At the end of the day, you need to remember that you have to do what is best for you, not for others. However, if I ask you out…you have to say yes. Otherwise, you are a bad person. No pressure.
6. Healthy constructive communication will go a long way. Any relationship, whether with friends, family, co-workers, or lovers, will ALWAYS benefit from communication that is meant to help, not hurt. Though I’m sure sometimes…just sometimes…giving a good punch in the nuts must be satisfying.
7. Be grateful for what you have. Even in the darkest of times, if you can be grateful for anything, no matter how minuscule, I promise you’ll be able to surpass any obstacle. Unless of course you’ve been punched in the nuts.
8. The best teacher is the one who knows there’s still a lot to learn. Anyone who thinks they have nothing left to learn knows diddly squat. There will always be room for improvement, no matter what your age. Unless of course you’re Yoda.
9. Think outside your box. I’ve discussed this in one of my columns before, http://attictales.com/2008/07/14/pooping-outside-your-box/, but I think it bears repeating. Don’t be afraid to try new things. The more you’re afraid, the more it’s probably a good idea.
10. Live, listen, love, and laugh. I know that’s a whole lot of Ls but trust me, they’re worth trying out:
• LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
• LISTEN to what people are trying to tell you, not jut the words, but the feelings behind them.
• LOVE, not just friends, family, and partners, but all the beautiful precious moments that surround you.
• LAUGH, at the absurdity, the wittiness, and all the quirkiness that is around you…and laugh a bit at yourself too.
If this is what my 35 years on this planet has taught me…getting old really isn’t that bad…except for the roots of course.
Happy birthday, Genevieve.
Wishing you good health, more wonderful friends, greater wisdom, happiness, and fulfillment. And a wish for you to have a lasting, more meaningful and more loving relationship with a special lady. 
Have a great time!
Well if that isn’t the loveliest of birthday wishes…thank you Alex!
“Don’t be afraid to try new things. The more you’re afraid, the more it’s probably a good idea.”
<3
Yoda rocks… I am so glad I randomly found this blogs… going to send it to any lesbian I know here in Orlando… love your sense of humor! Well that and that you know about yellow snow!