I stumbled on a blog prompt that read "list 10 things you would tell your 20 year old self". I immediately thought of a list of things like "steer clear of x person or x situation" or "make the move to Nashville". But I paused, because if 20 year old me had taken the advice I was about to give her, she wouldn't have the life she has now.
20 year old me was, well, what most 20 year olds are. A mess. I had no idea what I wanted in life. I chased thrills and fun instead of thinking about my future. I had zero concept of money management.
I made plenty of mistakes as a 20 year old. I made friends with people who would hurt me. I hurt other people. I had my heartbroken. So- would I go back and change that? Or would I let it all happen, leading me to where I am now. What if I HAD just moved to Nashville, like it has been my dream to do. I wouldn't have met Tom. I wouldn't have the job I do now (Although how weird would it be if in an alternate universe I was working for ACS in a different state?)
So instead of telling her exactly what to do, or what not to do, I've decided to give her some guiding principles to carry with her
1) Be patient, with yourself and with others.
2) Build up a savings account.
3) Don't worry so much about what other people think you should be doing, or where other people are in life. Your path is your path and will lead to beautiful things.
4) Take care of your body. You don't need to be a certain weight or size. But take care of your body. Do not destroy it. It is yours. it is beautiful. and it is going to carry you through some really tough things.
5) It's okay to be cautious, it's okay to be anxious. Being those things do not define you or make you any less worthy.
6) Don't settle- in relationships, in jobs, in anything. Reach for what you want, and go after it. You deserve it.
7) Find something to be grateful for every single day.
8) Be truthful. I know sometimes you think you have to lie to please other people, but telling the truth is so much more freeing.
9) Let go of things that are bringing you down.
10) Say yes. Don't hide. You deserve to shine.
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