26 Things I Know

by Nicole Patterson

In a little more than a week I will be 27 years old. I decided to write a list of things I have learned this year. Feel free to make your own list of truths or truisms. Funny ones are good too. “26 Things I Know” is dedicated to all those chic (stylish and elegant) thinkers out there who need some reminding that life, no matter how hard it seems at the time, is always worth living.

1. Home is the place where you can get away from the rest of the world.
   
   
2. There isn’t much that a hot bath can’t fix.
   
   
3. New boots can make you feel like the most powerful woman alive.
   
   
4. Having a favorite Bible verse can really help you make it through a tough time (Psalm 139).
   
   
5. You save a lot of time when you don’t own a television.
   
   
6. Few things in life are as important as a good therapist.
   
   
7. Working 80-hour weeks won’t save you from yourself. They will, in fact, ruin your life.
   
   
8. Love is hard to find. It’s even harder to keep.
   
   
9. A grateful heart is a happy heart. There is much to be gained from being thankful.
   
   
10. Sleeping more than 5 hours a night is not necessary. Sleep is the body giving up, saying, “It can be done tomorrow.”
    
    
11. One great friend is better than dozens of average friends.
    
    
12. It is okay to pretend someone who has died is watching over you and rooting for your success.
    
    
13. Life is too short to spend it working at a job you hate.
    
    
14. Never stop asking questions. My latest ones include should we have population control and are more choices always better? Consider Lizzie Borden and/or all the options for women—post third wave.
    
    
15. You can’t choose your family, but you can learn a lot from them.
    
    
16. Keep reading. I am currently reading: The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Uses of Fairy Tales and Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery.
    
    
17. Every choice you make says something about the person you are. Every choice you make has consequences.
    
    
18. Think. Think. Think. Think. Choices, decisions, words and actions carelessly made or said or done in haste can ruin your reputation and your life.
    
    
19. Hard work pays off. Most people are afraid to work hard. Couple a good work ethic with dedication, motivation, thankfulness and a smile and the sky is the limit.
    
    
20. Subversion. Always.
    
    
21. Most people have had a hard life and they might not talk about it. Remember this when you meet people for the first time and be respectful of their journey.
    
    
22. You can learn more about someone by listening. Empathy isn’t a bad thing either.
    
    
23. Most people are idiots and they will follow you your whole life: in your workplace, in your restaurants, and in their cars. The trick is to tell yourself you’re not one of them.
    
    
24. Never deny yourself carbohydrates.
    
    
25. If you hate something about yourself or your life, change it. We’re conscious beings for a reason.
    
    
26. Happiness is a choice. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s true.
    
    And one to grow on:
    
    
27. Read more. Write more. Think more. Love more.

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