A bit of birthday wisdom

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

Friday was my birthday. With age comes wisdom, they say. And, considering that I am hardly a spring chicken, I suppose I have learned a few life lessons. Wouldn’t it be nice of me to make an enumerated list for as many years as I have been on this planet? It sure would…but, then I would be outing myself and I prefer an air of mystery. (I will delete any of my friends who leave evidence in the comment section).

Plus, this article would turn into a novel and no one has time for that on a Sunday. You will need to be satisfied with my top five:

Make your bed every morning. Seems innocuous, but I think that a tidy room is a window into the organization of the brain. Start the day in an orderly way and chances are you will get more accomplished. (I wish that I could add “put clean laundry in drawers” but that would be downright crazy. Perhaps I will accomplish this task by the time I turn 80. Stay tuned.)
Exercise, even when you don’t feel like it. Did you know that researchers believe that 30 minutes a day is the equivalent of a low dose antidepressant (without the side effects)? Totally worth it. Plus, you will look and feel younger than your chronological age.
Never stop learning. Although, at this point in my graduate school journey, I am ready to never open a nonfiction book again, keeping my mind active by researching and writing does keep me on my toes.
Buy a pair of denim that makes you feel like a million bucks. This IS a fashion column, after all. I swear, if you spend a few extra dollars on one thing in your closet…make it a fun pair of jeans. When they are classic and high quality, no one will know that you are wearing the same pair over and over. I promise.
It’s OK to sweat the small stuff. You read that correctly. I think it’s natural. I’m certainly NOT advocating drowning in minutiae; but, taking care of the little things often results in answers to life’s bigger issues.