With my 30th birthday next month, I have been reflecting often on the past ten years and all of the experiences I have had from going from a single girl in college, living with her parents, to a wife with 2 step sons and a career.
If I could write advice for myself at 20, here are 5 things I would make sure I knew.
The people that you love will not be around forever.
Visit them as often as you can. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, and neither are the people that you love. It is easy to assume that there will always be next year, next Christmas, next week. But that is not the case. It is easier to make time to visit someone you love now, rather than regretting missing that visit with them after they are gone.
It is okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.
You’re going to make a lot of them. Some of them are bigger mistakes than others. Some will affect other people rather than just you. Seek forgiveness from those you hurt, as well as yourself. Use your mistakes as a lesson to become a better person. Learn, and move on. Just make sure not to make that same mistake again.
Relationships take work.
A whole lot of work. Many arguments can be avoided when two people work harder to communicate and listen effectively. Try not to jump to conclusions, and keep your temper at bay ( this is still sometimes hard for me). Don’t be afraid to love, but protect your heart at the same time.
It is never too late to try something new.
From trying out new hobbies, to switching careers, it is never to late to redefine yourself. Just because you have a degree or experience in one thing, doesn’t mean that you can’t learn something new. Change is a part of life. You’re either getting better, or getting worse. Nothing stays the same,
Not everyone is your friend.
Sometimes that even means someone who you think is close to you. Be careful who you share personal stories with. Sometimes a “friend” can be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A true friend supports you, stands behind you, and wants to see you succeed. Sometimes friendships come to an end. Learn from them, cherish the good, and use your experiences to grow.