Issue #183: 33 Changes That Have Made the Biggest Impact on My Life (and Body)

See you later, five-year plan.

📚 Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley: This novel begins in a bar in 2000, with a lively debate over the difference between a “perfect track” and a “perfect song.” A perfect song, the music-obsessed Percy asserts, is one that can be replicated by anyone and is still flawless (think Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”), while a perfect track is dependent on the actual recording—the riffing, the voice, the vibe (Hall & Oates’ “Sara Smile”). John Lennon’s “In My Life,” she declares, is both. I loved Brickley’s debut novel, which I came across by way of

Becca Freeman

’s enthusiastic rec and dives into the early 2000s music world, with ample enjoyable references. A must-read! P.S. I’m seeing Holly speak tomorrow night at Powell’s! Say hey, if you’re there too! x

🥦 Charred Cabbage and Chicken Peanut Chop: After a weekend of back-to-back fried fish, I was craving a bowl full of fresh greens, and remembered this salad by

Caroline Chambers

. I swapped the cabbage out for more kale, but don’t change a thing about the peanutty vinaigrette, which was a revelation—Dijon in a peanut sauce? Never occurred to me, but adds a delicious bite!

📺 “Laid” on Peacock: This new show, starring Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet, is a lot cuter, raunchier, and wittier than I was expecting. In it, Ruby (played by Hsu) realizes that every partner she’s had sex with is dying off, so goes on a quest to warn them and resolve the curse.

My first-ever issue of Morning Person was eerily prophetic, with the title, “Say ‘Change is good.’ Repeat.” I wrote it in the midst of a major transition, in the week between leaving my full-time job in editorial and beginning my master’s in addictions counseling, but had no way of knowing just how much my life was about to change. In the nearly four years since, practically every aspect of my life—my partner, relationship with myself, career, interests, home, and community—has completely transformed. Back then, I had a life that looked beautiful and “on track” from the outside, but didn’t understand why I felt so unsatisfied by it.

Today is my 33rd birthday, and I have a lot of room to grow but I also have never felt more like myself, a process that involved making countless changes to build a life aligned with my values. It’s difficult to express just how grateful I feel to be here, and how privileged I feel to be turning another year older. There’s also no way I’d rather be spending it—I’m about to head on a long morning run, followed by coffee with a friend, a day seeing clients at my internship, then pizza at home with my best friend and boyfriend. In anticipation of today, I spent the last few weeks journaling about the most impactful changes I’ve made, which I’ve transcribed here for you! Read on for 33 changes, including the best thing I’ve done for my body, how my friendships have changed, and the new habits I’ve incorporated:

1. Stopped drinking alcohol. The month before my thirtieth birthday, I cut out alcohol for a class on addiction. I had tried before, but this was the first time I was actually able to continue, thanks largely to having a clear understanding around why I wanted to stop drinking. While I very occasionally order a glass of wine to be able to taste it, it’s been years since I’ve finished a glass, or had enough to feel its effects. I genuinely don’t have the desire, after seeing the impact not drinking has made on my life, mood, and physical health.

2. Got rid of my five-year plan. I spent the entirety of my twenties following a hyper-specific ten-year plan. I knew when I was going to move to Portland, get married, have kids. By contrast, I have no idea what my life will look like in five years. I may have kids, but more likely won’t. I may be working as a therapist, a writer, or something else entirely. I may get married again, or not. I have a loose financial plan, but I’m much more concerned with asking myself how I feel now and how I want to spend this year, which keeps me grounded to the present and far less anxious. Life is such an adventure—I’m excited to see where mine leads me!