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“Burn the Candles, Use the Nice Sheets” — Life Lessons That Matter

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Alexandra Shapiro Student Contributor, Columbia University & Barnard College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Yesterday, my mom forwarded me many, many life lessons passed along in an email circulating around her close friends (email chains? so outdated!) She not only appreciated receiving a small dose of self-reflection, but really thought of this brassy advice as a reminder that regardless of age, everyone is always hoping to understand themselves and others on a deeper level. Society doesn’t always make time for us to internalize and actually apply statements like “get outside every day — miracles are waiting everywhere.” While that may be true, it’s nice to at least have this in writing, because then we can gradually work on each, one at a time. Here’s a lovely section of 90 year-old Regina Brett’s collection of realizations:

 

You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to Disagree.

Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

Get rid of anything that isn’t beautiful, joyful, or useful.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

The most important sex organ is the brain.

Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

All that truly matters in the end is that you’re loved.

 

For more of her amazing thoughts: http://www.benjaminkanarekblog…

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Alexandra Shapiro

Columbia Barnard

Alexandra is a Senior at Barnard majoring in American Studies. While she isn't planning the week's pitches for Her Campus Barnard, she can be found checking her horoscope, listening to college acapella videos, decorating her room with Paris-themed accessories, or trying to imitate Charlotte from Sex and the City. She also loves self-improvement, Indian food, the Kennedys, traveling, and laughing at her brother and sister's jokes. She is spending this semester interning in MTV's Marketing department.