Hindsight Is (Not) Always 20/20

One night while watching GIRLS, Lena Dunham’s character did something so profound it made me pause the episode and really think about my life. In a full blown downward neurotic spiral, she Googles

“At what age does your body start to fall apart?”

I knew the effects of aging would hit me one day, but I wasn’t exactly sure when. I had always blamed my constant headaches and fatigue on being anemic, or “allergies”, both hereditary. As a typical millennial, nothing was ever my own fault. But then it occurred to me. Yes it was.

So I started revamping my life. Slowly and surely, I started to see results. Here are some things I’d like to share that made all the difference.

• Quit smoking - All right, I know this isn’t the most compelling decision, but it’s definitely had the most impact. I had my first cigarette when I was 14. That was ten years ago. I started noticing I was sick all the time. Stairs were hell. I couldn’t run more than half a mile without having to stop to walk. So New Years Eve I quit cold turkey. Yea it was hard at first, but now I can proudly tell my doctor I don’t smoke. That’s not to say I don’t get cravings, but you know what? It is easier to breathe.

• Got back into yoga - I hate exercising. There, I said it. It is so much more appealing to come home from a stressful day at work and crash on the couch with Netflix and some beer, but that kind of routine makes you a fat zombie. So I decided to take up yoga again. I have the great fortune to participate in hour long sessions three times a week at work, and boy do I. There’s just something about focusing your energy on breathing and inner strength that makes sweating not so bad after all. Good vibes in, toxins out. Annnnnnnd flow.

• Started a savings account - Well, I haven’t exactly checked this off the list just yet, but I am excited at the idea of collecting enough to make a monumental change in my life. TBD.

• Taught myself piano - Music is something that has always soothed me and I’ve always wanted to play an instrument (clarinet in 6th grade doesn’t count). So Ben got me a keyboard for Christmas and I started learning chords the next day. Now I record covers and post them on YouTube for the world to gawk at and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. It’s a really rewarding process, all haters aside.

• Bought a bike - Last year, my old bike got stolen downtown and I had a hole in my heart for the rest of the summer. This spring, I bought a used one off of Craigslist, fixed it up with my own bare hands, and ride it every chance I get (even to the grocery store). It’s great for fitness and peace of mind, especially if you don’t have anywhere in mind to ride. Not to mention I can get chummy with all the gear heads at work.

• Learned how to cook - In college, I exercised 6 days a week and was a vegetarian.  Once I graduated, I moved back home and didn’t have a nice undergrad debit account to buy healthy food. Actually I worked for $9 an hour at a hotel and couldn’t afford a weekend movie. During that time, I taught myself to cook and eat healthy for cheap. My taste buds (and love handles) are thanking me.

• Moved away from home - My mom will probably read this and give me the classic mom face, but leaving the nest was possibly one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I came to Rochester a naïve 18 year old who didn’t know anyone at RIT. In the 7 years I’ve lived here (mostly by myself), I’ve learned a mess of life skills including how to carry all my groceries up 3 flights of stairs in one go, who my real friends are and what love is. Most importantly, it taught me humility. Speaking of which, love you mom!

• Started freelancing - As a writer from a small town, I never had any big opportunities to start my career (see #6). Determined to do something with my life, I started helping my brother write copy for websites he coded and two years later was working part-time at a little agency called Brand Networks. With 2 jobs, I was working 14-hour days, drinking every night to relieve stress, and barely sleeping, but it was worth it because I eventually got hired as their full-time copywriter. It’s been (and continues to be) one hell of an adventure, but I’m finally doing what I love, sans invoices.

• Traveled across the country - When I was little, my dream was to see California. Last Christmas, Ben and I flew across the country to San Francisco for a week’s vacation and that dream became a reality. I know that every self-help syndicate out there will tell you to travel, but it’s true. It opens your eyes to what’s out there and what could be. You learn how to navigate a foreign place and if you’re lucky, meet incredibly interesting people along the way. Now we make it a point to see a new place or two every year. Sure, it’s intimidating, but feeling a little lost isn’t always a bad thing.

No matter where you are in life, take the time to better yourself. I don’t mean drop all of your vices and become a neo hippie saint. Just do what makes you happy and healthy, one day at a time.