The Wise & The Wicked: Wisdom I Try to Live By (and the Mischief I Can’t Shake)

Me in Rome, Italy completely enjoying and destroying a pizza. Circa 2011, but I still make the same face when eating anything delicious to this day.

There’s so much wisdom in the world thanks to humanity’s collective knowledge and struggle with, well, life since the beginning of time—and some of that wisdom, thankfully, has rubbed off on me. Some of it has yet to fully stick and, quite possibly, might never stick because I am so very human. And some vices? I plan to keep—moderation considered.

In the spirit of October, here’s the wisdom I’m embracing because it truly makes life better, and here’s the wickedness I’m holding onto (for now) because what’s life without a little edge? I’m not trying for sainthood—just a bit better each day.

The Wisdom to Live By

• Wake up early. As a reformed sleep-until-the-last-possible-minute person, I hate to admit it: 5 a.m. wake-ups are legit life-changing.

• Move your body. Strength training and cardio are brutal to start, but that post-workout high? Solid 10/10.

• Love your body. You’re the youngest you’ll ever be at this exact moment in time. Embrace that every day and stop wasting time focusing on the imperfections. 

• Ditch the comparison trap. Don’t measure your life against anyone else’s. And stop caring so much about what people think. Easier said than done, but the wisest wisdom there is.

• Embrace being alone. If you can love your own company, you’ll never truly be alone–and you’ll get clearer on whose company you actually genuinely enjoy.

• Meditation = mind control. It’s hard AF, but the payoff feels like spiritual interest compounding by the thousands.

• Get into nature. Flee into the wilds at least once a week—or just take a daily walk. See some squirrels, maybe a deer. Instant balm for the soul.

• Keep your heart & mind open. Possibilities are all around you—close off, and you stop seeing them.

• Controlled finances = freedom. Wealth compounds, as does discipline. Weigh every dollar against your goals.

• Don’t waste time with people who hold you back. Enough said.

• Share sparingly. Some dreams and goals need protection. Even those who love you may unintentionally cut them down before they grow.

• Don’t text the ex. (Trust me on this one.)

The Wickedness to Get By

• Spill the tea. A little smack-talk session with friends? Soul-lightening. Bond-strengthening. Worth it.

• Food is joy. Pizza with cheese stays. Cream and sugar in my coffee, too. Non-negotiable.

• Buy the $20 candle and share the inappropriate memes. I said what I said.

• Pop the cork. A bottle of wine shared with good company is basically communion.

• Speed limits? Guidelines, really—whether on the road or the sidewalk.

• Cursing, unapologetically. “Fuck” is one of the best words ever invented. I’ll keep it close, fuck you very much.

• Sleep in on the weekends. There’s nothing better than a cozy bed and snuggling under a downy comforter. The hustle can begin again on Monday.

• Get mad. Not every day, but sometimes anger is absolutely necessary–just let that fire fuel you not immolate you. 

• Be a bit delusional. Are you the greatest? Fuck yes you are. Be your biggest cheerleader and get after those dreams. 

• Splurge sometimes. Michelin dinner, European escape, spa day—joy matters too.

• Rules don’t matter. Outside of harming others, society’s scripts are BS. Kids? No kids? Marriage? No marriage? Live by your own terms.

• Fuck it, text the ex. (Because let’s be real… sometimes you just do.)

I’m not trying to be perfect—just a bit better and sometimes, just for fun, a little worse.