100% agree on the live abroad one. I lived overseas for ten years, and I'm yearning to back. Some of the most important moments in my life happened outside of my home country, the US. Both my children were born outside the US (in the UAE and UK). If you can't leave your home country, try to leave your hometown. There is so much life to be lived and so many different ways of living it. I think one of the first things that I learned when I first left my hometown was no matter where you live, people are just people. One might have preconceived notions about how people are expected to be in a particular place, but ultimately, they are people, just like you, with daily routines, wants, dreams, needs, etc. That seems small, or basic, but it's an important lesson to learn and the best way to learn it is to live it. Outside of moving, take every opportunity you can to travel. It doesn't have to be far, but go see and experience new things. Even if you don't love them, you'll know you don't because you experienced them firsthand.
My son loves Baldur's Gate 3 and Detroit: Become Human, btw. I'm more Super Mario Bros...but I appreciate the advice of leaning into your hobbies. If you find something that brings you joy - even if it's frustrating you momentarily - do it, and as often as you can. I found tennis in my 40s. I play as often as possible now. It is something I do solely for myself (not in service of my family or others).
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you've said here. "If you can't leave your home country, try to leave your hometown" is such valuable advice. I moved around a lot as a kid and experiencing new cities in the US was such an important experience. Spending even just one year outside of your hometown can really expand a person's worldview.
My mom also found tennis when she was in her 40s! I was in high school at the time, and it was really inspirational to see her take on something completely new and master the skill over the years. Watching her go through that journey as a kid really gave me permission to branch out and try new hobbies.
Your son has great taste in games! So awesome that you could experience living abroad with your family. The UAE is on my list of places to visit!
As always, thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
I love how specific this advice is, and was surprised to learn we're the same age! I turn 30 next week :) Happy birthday! You are so much farther along in your writing journey than I am, but of course all our journeys are different. Also, what are some of your favorite videogames?
Lately, I’ve been spending every second of my free time playing Baldur’s Gate 3. Before bg3 came out, I was playing a lot of Valheim. But my all time favorites are Dragon Age Inquisition and Detroit: Become Human. Are you playing anything you’re particularly excited about right now?
Thank you! Omg, I'm also obsessed with BG3 -- on my second runthrough and have over 300 hours now :') it's the best game!! I've heard a lot about Valheim and Dragon Age, will have to check them out!
Happy Birthday! Wonderful advice.
100% agree on the live abroad one. I lived overseas for ten years, and I'm yearning to back. Some of the most important moments in my life happened outside of my home country, the US. Both my children were born outside the US (in the UAE and UK). If you can't leave your home country, try to leave your hometown. There is so much life to be lived and so many different ways of living it. I think one of the first things that I learned when I first left my hometown was no matter where you live, people are just people. One might have preconceived notions about how people are expected to be in a particular place, but ultimately, they are people, just like you, with daily routines, wants, dreams, needs, etc. That seems small, or basic, but it's an important lesson to learn and the best way to learn it is to live it. Outside of moving, take every opportunity you can to travel. It doesn't have to be far, but go see and experience new things. Even if you don't love them, you'll know you don't because you experienced them firsthand.
My son loves Baldur's Gate 3 and Detroit: Become Human, btw. I'm more Super Mario Bros...but I appreciate the advice of leaning into your hobbies. If you find something that brings you joy - even if it's frustrating you momentarily - do it, and as often as you can. I found tennis in my 40s. I play as often as possible now. It is something I do solely for myself (not in service of my family or others).
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you've said here. "If you can't leave your home country, try to leave your hometown" is such valuable advice. I moved around a lot as a kid and experiencing new cities in the US was such an important experience. Spending even just one year outside of your hometown can really expand a person's worldview.
My mom also found tennis when she was in her 40s! I was in high school at the time, and it was really inspirational to see her take on something completely new and master the skill over the years. Watching her go through that journey as a kid really gave me permission to branch out and try new hobbies.
Your son has great taste in games! So awesome that you could experience living abroad with your family. The UAE is on my list of places to visit!
As always, thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
I love how specific this advice is, and was surprised to learn we're the same age! I turn 30 next week :) Happy birthday! You are so much farther along in your writing journey than I am, but of course all our journeys are different. Also, what are some of your favorite videogames?
Happy birthday! 🎉🎉
Lately, I’ve been spending every second of my free time playing Baldur’s Gate 3. Before bg3 came out, I was playing a lot of Valheim. But my all time favorites are Dragon Age Inquisition and Detroit: Become Human. Are you playing anything you’re particularly excited about right now?
Thank you! Omg, I'm also obsessed with BG3 -- on my second runthrough and have over 300 hours now :') it's the best game!! I've heard a lot about Valheim and Dragon Age, will have to check them out!
Happy belated birthday!
Thank you!
Happy birthday!
Thank you!
I’m 62 and this advice is spot on for me, too! Thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Happy Birthday, Kat!!