Recently interviewed by journalist Amber Katz, RED’s founder Julia Labaton shared her 5 rules for life. These were originally published on Amber’s awesome blog Rouge18.
- Age is a mindset. You’re only as old as you feel. Seek and experience wonder that blows your mind. Leave your comfort zones. Continue learning. Read. Explore. Ask questions. Curiosity didn’t kill a cat; it keeps you young. (Caveat: There is truth to age-appropriate dressing.)
- Say “Thank You.” Be grateful for the individuals, experiences and kind gestures in your life that bring joy and meaning, or simply make the moment a little better. Say “Thank you” often. Say “Thank you” within 24-hours of an event. Handwritten notes are better than email; both never hurt. When was the last time someone over-thanked you? A late “Thank you” is better than no “Thank you.”
- Detox bad energy. Part of developing self-awareness is establishing boundaries. Are you spending time and energy with people who make you feel bad about yourself or bring you down? Wish them well, separate yourself and move on. Easier said than done because you are probably close to anyone with that kind of influence in your life. Don’t martyr yourself. “A wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim,” wrote Maya Angelou.
- Practice the Golden Rule, even when you don’t feel like it. As Maya Angelou also wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” Be loyal and supportive of your relationships. (Refer to rule 2.)
- Don’t be a litterbug — One of the important lessons I learned in Mrs. Murphy’s 4th grade class at Orchard School in Ridgewood NJ. No one is picking up after you, it’s bad for the planet and trash is ugly. Thank you Mrs. Murphy.
Bonus beauty rule: Moisturize daily from head to toe.
