LifeSoup by Cherie Dawn Haas

In “Personified,” my recently published book of poetry and creative writings, I end the collection with a list of “words of advice for young people.” I started this list years ago and made notes in places so random that I’m still discovering them.

For example, I just came across a list of “Words of Advice for My Nieces.” Since I can’t go back in time and add this to Personified, I thought I’d share it here because the points still hold meaning.

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Words of Advice for My Nieces

1. Don’t wear hoop or dangly earrings when you’re getting your hair done. If the hairdresser catches one with a comb, you’ll know why; but…
2. If your ears are pierced, always wear earrings, because you can.
3. Read the book “Women Don’t Ask.” It’s about professional women in the workplace and inequality of salaries compared to men. You’ll learn a lot – it’s more interesting than it might sound.
4. When you’re an adult, don’t let your fingernail polish get too chipped. I’m not sure why, but in my humble opinion, it looks better to have no polish than chipped polish, and nails can make a big impression. (Of course, does it really matter? Not really. Do what you want.)
5. Before you fall in love, use your brain and think about how he (or she) treats you. It had better be a “10,” and don’t settle for less.
6. When it’s time to work, consider what you do on your own time for fun, and find a way to make money doing it, or something related.
7. Always take 10% of your paycheck and put the money in an account that you consider untouchable. It’ll come in handy one day.
8. Throw away socks and underwear when they get holes. Treat yourself to new ones, because it’s the little things that count.
9. Spend time alone once in a while.
10. To avoid feeling sorry for yourself, learn how other people in the world live. Volunteer to help them. It will put things in perspective, and help you appreciate the life you have – and it’s a beautiful one, because it exists.
11. Try to stay in touch with your extended family once you’re on your own. It’s too easy to let the months add up to years, and then before you know it, you don’t recognize your own cousins, for example.
12. Know that whatever you choose to rebel from, you’ll probably come back to it eventually.

My dear reader, what advice would you add to this list? Are there any points you would change?

As always, thanks for being a part of the Life Soup journey with me.
Peace, love, and family,
Cherie Dawn

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