Although I’ve been a legal adult for well over a year now, I have only recently left home to embark on my first solo adventure. One piece of equipment that I made sure to pack was The ABCs of Adulthood by Deborah Copaken and Randy Polumbo, a small book with some major words of wisdom. Since I am not qualified to give my own worldly advice yet, I have decided to share some of my favorites from the book.
1. Make your bed
Life is unpredictable and messy. One of the few things that you have control over is your bed. You’ll be amazed by the impact that one positive change in your environment can have on your mood. Honestly, is there anything more peaceful than coming back to your room after a long, stressful day and seeing your bed perfectly made and welcoming you to take an afternoon siesta?
2. Expect and accept disappointments
I know, very pessimistic. But life is not always going to go the way that you want it to. You’re not going to get into every class that you want, you’re not going to enjoy that movie that everyone is raving about, your crush isn’t going to say all of the right things that’s life. What matters is how you respond to these disappointments and understanding that the bad feelings will pass.
3. Grooming is everything
This is going to sound like something your mom would say but… take care of yourself! Shower regularly, brush your teeth two-three times a day (maybe even floss a couple times), cut your nails, moisturize, wear deodorant, etc. You know the drill; but with a busy schedule, sometimes it’s hard to make time for yourself. Never underestimate the power of some “me time.”
4. Let love in
Trust me, I know it can be hard to be vulnerable with your feelings but life would be no fun without a little love. Not just the romantic kind of love but the love of a sibling, a dog, or a friend. Be open to someone’s love and love them in return. I can’t promise it’ll always be perfect (see #2), but it’ll make life a whole lot more interesting. This is the only life we have, after all.
5. Say no
With the chance of contradicting the previous tip, you can and should add the word “no” to your vocabulary. Saying it won’t make you a pessimist, it won’t make you boring, and it won’t make you sound rude. It’s perfectly fine to turn down an opportunity if you’re feeling pressured or stressed. You don’t have to do it all. Overloading yourself in school, at your job, and/or with your friends can have serious repercussions on your mental health, something that you should not take for granted.
Hopefully this advice can be a helpful reminder to some or a nice encouragement for others. You’re never too old to change your ways and start living a healthier, happier, and more successful life.
Copaken, Deborah. The ABCs of Adulthood: an Alphabet of Life Lessons. Chronicle Books, 2016.