Thursday, April 9, 2009

SJP: Why Don't You...


I recently read Sarah Jessica Parker's "Why Don't You..." list in last month's Harper's Bazaar magazine and loved what she had to say, so I thought I'd share them here. I particularly love her first one:) Okay, her first and second.

• Try, for every 20 e-mails you send, to write a letter, an old-fashioned letter, and post it. Remember how it felt to receive an actual letter or postcard in the mail?

• Keep a bucket filled with candy. Cheap, good candy. From butterscotch hard candies to Bulls-Eyes to spice drops. Pretty cheap per pound, low calorie, and great late at night while working or staying up too late reading or watching television. It will scratch the itch.

• Use your local library. So few people do anymore. And if you are a parent, introduce your children to their neighborhood library. It will give them a real sense of independence to have their own library card and enjoy borrowing books.

• Empty out your purse twice a week, tossing all coins into a mason jar, an old coffee can, or a strange-shaped and not particularly practical porcelain jar. It’s wonderfully surprising to discover what can accumulate. You can give the money to charity (always feels good), and it’s grand to do in the spring when charities are not on people’s minds.

• Cook or bake something outrageous that you are convinced will be impossible. The advantage of this endeavor is that it can actually get you cooking more meals at home. Once you are triumphant with the absurdly difficult, a meal for yourself or your family will seem like a cakewalk (so to say). And it can be a great money saver.

• Walk more. It simply feels great. And for those who have an “allergy” to working out, it’s a great way to get the blood moving. If you are feeling extra adventurous, try putting some speed into that walk.

• Read the editorial page of your local paper. It introduces you to opinion and can be terrifically provocative and perhaps a great motivating force for you to get involved in your community, regardless of your political ideology.

• Get eight hours of sleep, though I never do.

[image and copy from harpersbazaar.com]

2 comments:

Tommy said...

I'm a such of fan of hers, and this is so much of the reason why. After so much fame and success, she still seems down to earth. Write. Bake. Walk. What could be better?!

lillie said...

what a great list! thanks for sharing this (: