10 Things I'd Tell My 10-Years Younger Self

Personal

Dec 27

Someone explain to me how 2000 can be 20 years ago? But also, the 80s were 20 years ago? Actually, that does make sense because I literally do not feel like the same person I did 10 years ago. I thought about doing some sort of reflection post about the last decade, but it ended up being more of a letter to my younger self and I’m okay with that. Read below for the 10 things I’d tell my 10-years younger self + some fun throwback pics.

1. Nothing turns out how you plan

You can spend your time planning every little step of every possibly scenario and you’ll still probably never be prepared enough. You’ll have so much more fun if you learn to roll with it.

2. Being your authentic self is scarier, but more fulfilling than trying to fit in

So much of your time and energy is spent trying to make people like you. People who you don’t even actually relate to or care about. The ones who are your people will accept you for who you are. Quirks and all.

3. Not everyone is going to like you (or your work). It’s not personal.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and that opinion may be different than yours. Or even *GULP* that you aren’t their cup of tea. It’s ok. In fact, your energy is better spent elsewhere and working with people who want to work with you.

4. Your experience and skills are valuable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Only people who are sorely unhappy with themselves are gonna try to intentionally make you feel worthless. No matter what, you have value as a human being and no one can take that way.

5. There is no “right” way to do most things with your life

Go to college, get married, have kids, excel at your career, be successful, make lots of money. It’s hammered into your brain that these things are supposed to look a certain way, but really, it looks different for everyone and discovering those priorities makes life beautiful.

6. Love is something you should never be afraid to give

Holding it back won’t stop you from getting hurt. Being kind costs you nothing but might mean the world to someone else. And hiding it only makes the world a little sadder place.

7. Quality over quantity

Work, friends, clothes, time, food…this list could go on and on.

8. Nobody is as critical of you as you are of yourself

And no one is scrutinizing every move you make like you do to yourself. Honestly, they’re more concerned with themselves so why expend so much energy on it?

9. You absolutely don’t need to wash you hair every day

I know you think you do, but soon you will enjoy going up to a week on one wash and the time saved getting ready is astonishing.

10. Every situation is valuable. Even the hard ones…Especially the hard ones.

I’d never tell you this while you were going through a difficult time, but once you come out the other side you’ll be so much more appreciative. The hard experiences really do make the good ones more vibrant.