Brilliant Advice Even I Won't Take

Someone I know and who is related to me and in fact gave birth to me is feeling depressed (possible causes: milestone birthday, workplace issues), or so I heard through the grapevine. I thought I came up with some pretty darn good wisdom for her that I figured I'd save for myself, too, when the inevitable (annual?) age crisis comes along.

1. I love her and so does her family.

2. Seeking external validation gives you only fleeting happiness. Find internal joy.

3. Age is just a number, an external measure. We are too focused on numbers and sizes (size of wallet, size of you-know-what, size of house, size of car, size of waist). Numbers on the scale and on clothing tags. You'll never again be as young as you are right now! Celebrate being alive.

4. The antidote to external focus and approval-seeking is a creative project that sweeps you into its flow. Perhaps do something different: Paint a picture, do a sewing project.

I dunno. Now that I read these they kinda come off as too facile. I was condensing, here, though.

Yeah, so, next time you talk to a depressed friend or family member, just smile and say, "Oh, come off it! Find internal joy! By the way, have you considered plastic surgery?"

That's why they pay me the big bucks, folks.