Friday, April 24, 2015

Advice to a younger me

I loved reading Erica's post from yesterday with tips to her younger self! Here is some of the advice that I wish I could have given to myself earlier in life:
  1. Get enough sleep.
  2. Be comfortable with yourself. Embrace what makes you unique.
  3. Amidst all the ups and downs, life is a constant.
  4. Instead of always waiting for that perfect moment, do the things that you love NOW.
  5. Keep a journal and take plenty of pictures.
  6. Travel every chance you get and do as the locals do. Be a traveler instead of a tourist.
  7. Go for that graduate degree/certification earlier rather than later.
  8. Cook more. Eat less processed food.
  9. You feel better when you take care of your own appearance.
  10. Relationships mean everything both personally and professionally. Nothing is more important in life than your family and friends.
  11. Quality over quantity.
  12. Be not afraid. Don't worry about things until they happen.
  13. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  14. If you need orthodontic work, get it done - the sooner the better.
  15. You know yourself better than they know you.
  16. Learn at least two foreign languages.
  17. The first reaction is usually the correct one.
  18. You already know what to do.
  19. Read more.
  20. Enjoy the journey and be present in the now.

What other advice would you give your younger self or to me?

10 comments:

  1. You and I had the same idea! I loved Erica's post too :)

    I agree on getting enough sleep - it doesn't seem that important when you're young! But every now and then fun things happen when you stay up late! :) I'd also add "don't underestimate the importance of naps," because they're awesome.

    With #15, it's important that you DO know yourself. I think that takes a while for a lot of us to figure out!

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    1. Yay for great blog topic discussions amongst all of our friends! I loved reading your post, as well!

      When I was a teenager and in my early 20s, I actually considered it a badge of honor to get minimal sleep. It was like, "Look how strong and powerful I am! I don't need sleep!" But looking back, that was a ridiculous way of thinking. Although, you are right - there are always exceptions to that rule, of course!

      YES on taking the time to GET to know yourself. VERY good point. So many women fear turning 30 (I was one of them) but I think my 30s have been my best years yet because I know myself better now than ever before. You too?

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    2. Yep, I did that too! And now I'm in bed by 9ish most nights so I can get a full 8 hours! Ah, how things have changed...

      I was actually excited about turning 30, but I definitely had a freak-out when I hit 25 (which seems SO ridiculous now). I've grown a lot in my 30's, and I'm not even halfway through them!

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    3. I hear you! I freaked out when I turned 28 because I could no longer say I was in my "early 20s" - I now had to say "late 20s." So dumb. In some instances, I wish I could be in my 20s again - but in another instance, I am glad to leave those years behind!

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  2. I went back for my graduate degree when I was 31 and I got SO much flack from people who insisted I was sooooo old. My advice is:
    Eff what others think of you.
    Be your own best friend and biggest cheerleader
    Hang with people who uplift you and make you laugh
    Life is short, just do it already
    Wash the underside of your pots and pans (trust me on this, they get gross)

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    1. Woo hoo, Marcia! That is very inspiring that you went back to grad school in your 30s - more power to you! It is NEVER too late. Shame on those people who made comments about being too old!

      Great advice!!! You are absolutely correction on the undersides of pots and pans getting gross - I have many prime examples of that sitting in my cabinet right now. =D

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  3. Oh gosh...I think I would have to say stop worrying about what other people think of you. We all do too much of that. My mom cringes at my comments sometimes. Who cares?

    BTW, I went back to be an NP in my 40s. Who's old?

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    1. Congratulations on going back to be an NP!!! That is a wonderful accomplishment at any age!!!

      Yes - who cares about what people think about you? You can never make everyone happy - so might as well be true to yourself and make yourself happy!!!

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  4. Love this!!

    This remind me of the book "Letters to My Younger Self". Have you read it?

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    1. Thanks Zenaida! No, I've never heard of "Letters to My Younger Self" but it sounds like a great read. I'll have to see if I can get a copy of it!

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