To my younger self...
my life advice to you
Sure, we all have that one or two big regrets in life and think if I had just done that one thing different. What would have been the outcome? What if I had just stayed the course? I have mine and it will forever stick with me, and I know without a doubt that is where my life shifted. The path I was on forever changed. Of all the things I would go back and tell my younger self it would be this one thing. But what if I could tell her more? I would share all of this wisdom with her and every other young girl. It is the same things I would and have told my friends and maybe that’s the secret. Maybe we cannot tell our younger selves but others behind us.
Here is what I would tell my younger self and anyone else who might need it.
· Laugh at yourself and do it often. Chances are there will always be someone laughing at you instead of with you. Never let them have the upper hand.
· Work hard, play harder. We are not meant to be cogs in a machine take that day off take that trip and enjoy every single moment you can. Call in sick remember you are replaceable at work not in life. Go with him to get his Harley, it will be your favorite day for years to come!
· Your mom will in time be your best friend. Just trust me on this.
· Your heart will be broken, you will break for a time. But you in time will repair. Be open to love again, even if I am not.
· A dog’s love will prove to be invaluable and will be your saving grace.
· We do not always get the one we love most. I still root for him every day and wish he could see what I see.
· You will have friendships that will last for years; cherish those relationships, nurture them when they need it and they will be there for you for the next 20, 30, & hopefully the rest of your lives!
· Move away from your hometown. You will grow and see places you could have only imagined! Iceland was incredible and healing all on its own!
· Your mortal enemy growing up who comes in the role of your sister will become your best friend and the keeper of all your secrets. You will love her kids fiercely and they will be your whole heart. Shocking I know!
· Freeze your eggs.
· A best friend break up will be harder and worse than any breakup with a guy will ever be. It will be painful and a loss that will hurt and blindside you.
· Continue to stay dedicated to your skin care routine.
· AOL chats will soon be a thing of the past. If you do not want the world to see it do not post it on social media. It is a future thing and way crazier than AOL. What ever happened to marq114? Sorry. I do not know.
· Braid your grandma’s hair without complaint. One day you will not get too. You will look back on it and be envious of her hair as you age.
· Never ever let your gas gauge get below 1/4 tank. It is a good habit you still hold on to, so do not stop now!
· Leave him and find yourself a man who will support you and grow with you.
· Always keep your own bank account. Sharing one with your spouse is okay but always keep your own too. You will one day (more than once) need that “extra or hidden” cash.
· Sex is meant to be enjoyed. If you are not; it is not the right partner or relationship for you.
· Get a second, third, fourth opinion. Doctors will leave you in pain for years, you will in fact think you are crazy and no your periods are not nor were they ever normal. A month-long period is not normal, not even a little. I am sorry I failed you.
· If it feels off, it is.
· Start your Botox in your early 30s hell late 20s!
· Safe sex is a must! Never ever forgo a condom. If he says no, he is not the one, he is not worth risking your health. He does not care about you if he will not wear one.
· Do not get married.
· Get your annual exam and when its time get your mammogram.
· Not everyone in your life will be who they say. You will learn the hard way.
· Success isn’t about money. We all get there in our own way and time.
· Read as much as you can. You love it and will be passionate about it and it will lead to grand adventures!
· You can leave anytime you want. Don’t stay because you think you have too.
· Never forget where you came from. Your roots will always lead you back to Laramie. You’ll enjoy planning your future class reunions more than you know!
· Tell your dad you love him more; he knows. He is the reason you have this amazing name!
· Trust your gut.
· You’re stronger than you think you are and will repeatedly prove it to yourself and others.
· Breath you will always be okay.
· Follow your passions; even if its not what others think you should be doing. You will be surprised at what they are and will be…I was!
· Do not settle ever! Not in life, it is meant to be lived and enjoyed. In love, butterflies do exist and are worth it. In work do something you love; you will spend most of your life working (it really is a backwards world we live in)
· Always be true to yourself and love yourself.
· You will stumble, but you will thrive and overcome so many things and each time you will get up, dust yourself off and be the strong woman you grew up to be.
But the one thing I would tell her is do not leave the job you love just because you were a little burnt out. Hanging up your wings will be your biggest regret and you will forever have your regrets but also know a lot of good will come out of it. You will challenge yourself in ways you never knew you were capable of know you are smarter than you will ever give yourself credit for. Your family will be your safe haven for years and they will be your biggest supporters. Always be true to yourself, you will laugh often, you always have a smile, and go on that damn adventure!
Love,
Me….your future self in 2023
What like advice would you tell your younger self; or someone younger?