I can't say I've been dreading this day...but I can't say I've been looking forward to it either.
If we're being honest...and we are, because that's what I do on here (I try not to put up false advertising)...I feel like I've been in my 30s all of my 20s. Like I somehow flipped decades. And that's what getting married and having a baby in your 20th year will do to you. Maybe I've thought all along that somehow in my 30s I'd finally feel like I was in my own skin. Like maybe it will all come together in some beautiful symphony of "you got this and you own it" mantra.
Even with all of that to look forward to, it still hurts my ears to hear "30." Look for equally compelling posts with "40" and "50" themes.
I thought I'd write a letter to myself 10 years ago...my new favorite perspective.
Hey you,
I'd like to say the world is wide open and ready for you. But that's a lie...it'll never be ready for you.
What you will find is that life in this world is beautiful. Always changing, sometimes moving in slow and steady shifts that will take some getting used to. The key is to notice the small with the big changes that will surely greet you in the coming years. Because, my darling, you will never be the same wide-eyed small town girl ever again. Kiss those days good-bye. Tell me you weren't ready to hear that?
Here are some words of advice that I have for you in the next few years...
Act your age.
Don't lose yourself trying to find love.
Learn how to cook three good meals. Like from scratch.
Wash your clothes. Weekly.
You won't lose IQ points not attending college right out of high school.
Especially if you're major is "undecided."
Take care of your body.
The path to self destruction is only appreciated in books and movies.
Dare to dream. I double-dog dare you.
Brands and labels are just more stitching, it's not worth the debt.
Work hard. And when you think you're there, push yourself that extra little bit-you won't break.
Volunteer. Lend your hand and heart to those who need it more than you.
Travel.
Invest your time in good friendships.
Not people who are only in it for themselves.
Nothing beats rolling with the windows down, and your favorite song on the radio.
Welcome to your addiction.
Smile. Life's not supposed to be all figured out yet. Ever.
Hug your grandparents a lot.
And your parents.
Get a puppy.
Pick up a camera.
When you're in a bind, two words: don't pawn.
As much as you swear off the 80s, they will come back.
And you will one day love the cheesy Molly Ringwald movies you once swore lifelong hatred to.
Your high school crush was an idiot and the sooner you let it go the better.
Go to more concerts.
That one time you...never-mind, do it. You learned a good lesson there.
Be original.
There will be a day when you're driving a minivan...drive that convertible like it's going out of style.
Because it will.
Don't accept other's definitions of who you are or who you want to be. Even those whom you love.
You're the one holding the dictionary.
Start a collection. One that you'll be able to show off to your kids someday.
Do yoga.
Appreciate silence.
You really can fall in love and meet your soul mate right out of high school.
And it will lead you to some of the best breathtaking moments of your life.
There's nothing wrong with your legs.
Or your hair.
Or your face.
It'll all get better.
Use sunscreen.
Tanning is, for lack of a better word, stupid.
Start a savings account. A modest one is better than none.
Country music is not so bad. You'll start to love it.
No worries Dad, I'm still loyal to Skynyrd.
Stay grounded.
When life throws you curve balls at least you can say you swung.
Keep kicking around the soccer ball.
If you don't love it, don't do it.
I know those odd jobs you took seemed ridiculous at the time, but it beefed up your skills section.
And you learned how to count back change.
Find your own way.
You're worth it.
And don't be afraid of the future.
It's going to be good...
If we're being honest...and we are, because that's what I do on here (I try not to put up false advertising)...I feel like I've been in my 30s all of my 20s. Like I somehow flipped decades. And that's what getting married and having a baby in your 20th year will do to you. Maybe I've thought all along that somehow in my 30s I'd finally feel like I was in my own skin. Like maybe it will all come together in some beautiful symphony of "you got this and you own it" mantra.
Even with all of that to look forward to, it still hurts my ears to hear "30." Look for equally compelling posts with "40" and "50" themes.
I thought I'd write a letter to myself 10 years ago...my new favorite perspective.
Hey you,
I'd like to say the world is wide open and ready for you. But that's a lie...it'll never be ready for you.
What you will find is that life in this world is beautiful. Always changing, sometimes moving in slow and steady shifts that will take some getting used to. The key is to notice the small with the big changes that will surely greet you in the coming years. Because, my darling, you will never be the same wide-eyed small town girl ever again. Kiss those days good-bye. Tell me you weren't ready to hear that?
Here are some words of advice that I have for you in the next few years...
Act your age.
Don't lose yourself trying to find love.
Learn how to cook three good meals. Like from scratch.
Wash your clothes. Weekly.
You won't lose IQ points not attending college right out of high school.
Especially if you're major is "undecided."
Take care of your body.
The path to self destruction is only appreciated in books and movies.
Dare to dream. I double-dog dare you.
Brands and labels are just more stitching, it's not worth the debt.
Work hard. And when you think you're there, push yourself that extra little bit-you won't break.
Volunteer. Lend your hand and heart to those who need it more than you.
Travel.
Invest your time in good friendships.
Not people who are only in it for themselves.
Nothing beats rolling with the windows down, and your favorite song on the radio.
Welcome to your addiction.
Smile. Life's not supposed to be all figured out yet. Ever.
Hug your grandparents a lot.
And your parents.
Get a puppy.
Pick up a camera.
When you're in a bind, two words: don't pawn.
As much as you swear off the 80s, they will come back.
And you will one day love the cheesy Molly Ringwald movies you once swore lifelong hatred to.
Your high school crush was an idiot and the sooner you let it go the better.
Go to more concerts.
That one time you...never-mind, do it. You learned a good lesson there.
Be original.
There will be a day when you're driving a minivan...drive that convertible like it's going out of style.
Because it will.
Don't accept other's definitions of who you are or who you want to be. Even those whom you love.
You're the one holding the dictionary.
Start a collection. One that you'll be able to show off to your kids someday.
Do yoga.
Appreciate silence.
You really can fall in love and meet your soul mate right out of high school.
And it will lead you to some of the best breathtaking moments of your life.
There's nothing wrong with your legs.
Or your hair.
Or your face.
It'll all get better.
Use sunscreen.
Tanning is, for lack of a better word, stupid.
Start a savings account. A modest one is better than none.
Country music is not so bad. You'll start to love it.
No worries Dad, I'm still loyal to Skynyrd.
Stay grounded.
When life throws you curve balls at least you can say you swung.
Keep kicking around the soccer ball.
If you don't love it, don't do it.
I know those odd jobs you took seemed ridiculous at the time, but it beefed up your skills section.
And you learned how to count back change.
Find your own way.
You're worth it.
And don't be afraid of the future.
It's going to be good...
 |
| greeting the sun this morning on the beach |
