Almost Enlightened, Mostly Tired.

Time is a strange companion. Infinite in theory, yet in practice it has a way of reminding us just how finite it is.

So, to help you make the best of it, here’s my unsolicited birthday wisdom, because why not:

Love someone? Tell them. Best case, it’s reciprocated, and will eventually pass. Worst case, you walk away crushed, convinced you’ll never recover. You will. But you’ll also carry just enough emotional residue to become well-versed in unrequited love.

Miss someone? Definitely let them know. But also warn them that if they ever put you in a position to miss them for too long, you will assume they’ve died and move on. If you run into them again, act accordingly. A little resurrection, a little disbelief. If they’re not concerned, you’ve underperformed. For the sake of the relationship, commit to the bit.

Have a crush? The antidote is to get to know them better. When reality sets in, the fantasy usually subsides. But if you enjoy emotional turmoil, keep it a secret, let it fester, and unpack it later in therapy when you realize reality feels underwhelming compared to what you imagined.

Hate someone? Double check it isn’t just mild inconvenience you’re mistaking for conviction. Also, hate is suspiciously adjacent to love. Sort that out.

Think something is stupid? It probably is. Then again, how do you know that you’re not?

Confused? Extremely normal. Arguably my default setting.

Nostalgic? Be careful. It edits things more kindly than they were. Though sometimes, it’s just perspective arriving late. In that case…unfortunate. Go make new memories you can be sad about later. The cycle continues.

Resentful? Worth interrogating. Or ignoring. Depending on the day, and your therapist’s availability.

Happy? Lean into it. It’s fragile.

Sad? Share it with someone. At least then you won’t be sad alone.

In distress? Ask yourself what your sensible self would do…then consider doing the opposite.

Life is absurd. A little foolishness helps.

Another year, then.

Grateful to still be here.

Still feeling everything.

A lot less patient with everything and everyone.

Becoming an increasingly difficult woman.

Allegedly a jolly good time—if being intellectually shaken and emotionally stung is your thing.