33 Comments

The Oxford comma is a superfluous abomination. I will go to war over that. And worse idea than endless wings? Bottomless mimosas. You will only make that mistake once. Or three times. Thanks for all the wonderful wisdom, Chris. If you haven't had that conversation with Carly, do it now. She knows already, anyway. She wouldn't want you haunted. I hope the test gives a good result and a simple fix. Please keep me posted. Wishing you a very happy birthday and an incredible year ahead! xo

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!

Expand full comment
author

Also superfluous abomination sounds like a trivia team name.

Expand full comment

Or our cover band. xo

Expand full comment

Oh no! I love the Oxford comma and bottomless mimosas 😂 Am I out of the group? Lol. Have to agree with Chris about the trivia team name though!

Expand full comment
author

I take no stance on the Oxford comma other than to start arguments.

Expand full comment

Never out of the group, Jackie. We can agree to disagree. I love bottomless mims, too. They just don't always love us back. xo

Expand full comment

That is very true. Barney’s Beanery can stand by that fact for me. What? You mean 7 mimosas are going to give me the worst headache of my life? 😂

Expand full comment

It's not the 7; it's the cheap-ass "champagne" they are using to make it. Veuve Clicquot would never do that to you (then again, why would you do that to Veuve?! The only thing you mix that with is Guinness for a Black Velvet, which is heaven in a glass). xo

Expand full comment

I totally agree with you, Sandra, about having the conversation (even though Carly knows already).

Expand full comment

❤ But not about the Oxford comma? LOL 😘 xo

Expand full comment

"29. Do the hard thing first. I am a terrible procrastinator. I have to drag myself kicking and screaming to confront my priorities each day. But afterwards, it always feels great to be done, knowing that the hard thing is over with." - This is gold. I always want to avoid hard stuff, who doesn't? But I am trying hard to always do the hardest thing first. Definitely grows strength and just feels good after. Thanks for writing this, I just subscribed.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Oct 10, 2023Liked by Chris Anselmo

A great post with so many important lessons to keep at the ready. The almost made the cut snacks suggestion though? Been slaying that one for all-time. I hope your swallow study revealed helpful information that leads directly to improved outcomes for you, Chris.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Wendy!

Expand full comment
Oct 6, 2023Liked by Chris Anselmo

Such wisdom in these 37 lessons! With #4 in mind, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that they came from such a young guy. I love the humorous almost-made-the-cuts! I continue to be grateful for our friendship, Chris. I think I’ve told you this before but it’s worth repeating: You’ve made an indelible impact in my life and certainly in the lives of countless others with whom you’ve connected. God bless you for sharing your gifts.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Steve!

Expand full comment

Wow, all of these are wonderful, but the one about impressing myself really stopped me in my tracks. I'll be sitting with that one for a while.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Sarah!

Expand full comment

Incredible lessons from your journey, and happy early birthday! Life's challenges may be tough, but your perspective on facing them with courage and finding purpose is truly uplifting. Wishing you strength and continued growth in the years ahead!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Winston!

Expand full comment

Happy birthday, Chris! 🥳 And I hope the test went well on Wednesday.

Such a wonderful post. I'm saving it to read again (several times!).

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Rebecca!

Expand full comment

Happy early birthday!. This was an absolutely perfect post (I know we aren’t supposed to worry about or strive for m perfection, but I call it as I see it). It’s inspired me to do some reflecting of my own as my much-closer-to-40 birthday approaches. Hope you get some answers soon about your swallowing issues too.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Jackie!

Expand full comment
Sep 14, 2023Liked by Chris Anselmo

Holy shit Chris!!! This post was so, so good. You blew it out of water!! I always feel so inspired and empowered every time I read your writing. Hope to meet you in person one day. Happy birthday! We are the same age!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Wen! Maybe someday we can meet. Are you in the US?

Expand full comment

Hoping for concrete, positive information coming out of your hospital visit, Chris. And: happy early birthday! Every "just missed the cut" item made me smile. And so many others felt like gut-punches in the best possible way. ❤️

Expand full comment
author

Aw, thanks Maddie! Test went well, which is another way of saying, to be continued.

Expand full comment

Always enjoy this type of post

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!

Expand full comment

Happy Birthday Chris! What a great post! Numbers 7, 19 and 31 are resonating with me. Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Sue!

Expand full comment