Nine obvious things that weren't obvious to me

Not all gems are hidden. (Library of Congress photo)

You can choose to be mad at your parents or school for not teaching you things that you feel are necessary for your growth and success as a human being.

However, the fact is that there is so much to know and so much to learn — and some of it may change or become irrelevant based on what happens in the world or even as a result of our own choices. Our parents and teachers did the best they could, and it’s up to us to figure out the rest.

So now I’d like to share ten things that may be obvious to you but were not obvious to me until I saw them. Maybe you’ll laugh at me — or maybe something I say will be useful. Here goes.

1. You can buy stuff at the store — you don’t need to buy it from your house.

   I always enjoyed the sense of abundance that came from having all the art supplies I might need, plus a well-stocked medicine cabinet, bathroom closet, and pantry.

   And then I came to realize that if I needed something, I could go out and buy it. I could even borrow things, like library books and tools. I didn’t need all the possible yarn for every possible project on my shelf at home when I could find it on the shelf at the shop.

2. Your feet won’t be cold if you have the right boots.

   Having grown up in Maine, I was apprehensive about spending another winter there as an adult. Then I invested in boots with a cold-weather rating of -32 degrees Celsius. When I went for a hike on New Year’s Day, I was warm and cozy despite the cold and snow. The experience set me free.

   Maybe I don’t need to have a full apothecary and craft shop in my home, but I can be prepared in the ways that matter.

3. Having a bedtime and sticking to it is the key to health and happiness.

   I’m not perfect at following through on this insight, but I know that if I don’t want to be run down and cranky, the steps I can take are incredibly simple. Just like a child, I need to discontinue my entertainment and say ni-night at the appointed time.

4. Routines simplify life.

   Instead of wondering whether and when I’m going to get out for a walk, I can commit to walking at the same time every day. I can even take the same walk, for it is never really the same walk twice anyway. No angst, no decisions, it’s already done.

5. A small house can make you wealthier.

   As a family with a mortgage, we’re saving so much money on interest by having a smaller house. We also have a smaller monthly payment and smaller utility bills.

   I’ve had big houses and appreciated the sense of abundance that came from being able to spread out and use different rooms for different things. But I feel a greater sense of abundance without all that extra space.

6. Decisions have potential upsides as well as downsides.

   When making a decision, it is easy to focus on the known downside and let that shut me down. However, I am going to have a more balanced understanding of the options if I look at potential upsides as well. I’m not just giving up something — I’m opening the door to something else.

7. Being famous is terrible.

   When I was a kid, I wanted to be a famous musician. I can now see the obvious truth that being famous is a recipe for unhappiness. It is harmful to the human psyche, damages a person’s ability to have normal relationships, and creates all kinds of logistical problems. Is there a potential upside, too? Yes. Not worth it.

8. Making a plan doesn’t mean you have to execute it right then.

   If I realize that I want to move to a new city or hire someone for my business or buy a car, I don’t have to take immediate action. Recognizing a desire is not the same as making a plan, and making a plan does not require aggressive follow-through. Certain ideas can percolate and wait until their time. Adequate preparation can be part of the path forward.

9. People like personal stories.

   When it comes to reading other people’s work, I appreciate hearing about their unique perspective and even the details of their lives.

   We think we’re not supposed to talk about ourselves. I often feel self-conscious writing about myself. But the personal anecdotes and stories are the things I find most compelling when it comes to reading others’ work. It’s okay to share about my own life.

On that note, I hope you have enjoyed this exploration of the obvious. I would love to hear some of the simple things you have learned in your life that have made it richer, even if you think you were the last to know. Please share in the comments!