When I was scrolling through Tumblr late last night (I know we all do it), I came across a post written by Mary Schmidt which was titled "25 Things I Want Myself To Know At 25." I decided to read it because no one tends to give themselves advice for the present, and after finishing it I immediately felt uplifted. Some of her thoughts hit home a lot, and I've decided to recreate the post for myself so I can look back on my own advice. I don't know if it's just me but I tend to give advice to other people, and then can never apply it to myself. So here's my list of 20 things I want myself to know at 20:
1. It's actually fine not knowing what you want to do with your life. You're young and job opportunities will come and go, stick at it until you find something you like.
2. Just because friendships haven't always ended well, doesn't mean you should judge people based on other peoples mistakes. Letting people into your life is much better, even if you end up getting hurt in the long run.
3. Exploring is important. Never pass on an opportunity to travel, whether it's half an hour away or across the world.
4. Don't let the fear of not being good enough stop you from even trying. How will you know if you enjoy something, or if you're good at it if you don't even let yourself try.
5. Make time for the people you love, don't just presume they'll always be around.
6. Stop focusing so much on other people's negative drama, and your own for that matter. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter.
7. Start where you are and use what you've got. You can't always rely on the fact that the grass will be greener on the other side.
8. You will find if you stop procrastinating by spending hours on social media, you'll be a lot more motivated and have more time to do things you like.
9. Be the best you that you can be.
10. Music is your first love, regardless of whether you decide to write about it for the rest of your life or not.
11. Time is the only thing you can't get more of, so make the most of what time you do have.
12. Remember to take time to breathe. A busy schedule is a good one, but nothing beats having some me time.
13. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is just as important as believing in yourself.
14. Stop dismissing education because you don't enjoy your university course. Always try and learn new things, some things you'll and some things you won't.
15. Keep on documenting your life, you will want to look over it when you're older.
16. Life gets hard sometimes, and it gets hard for everyone. What goes up must come down, but you can't get up unless you've been down.
17. Soak in the little things because they matter just as much as the big things.
18. Network. Talk to the people you pass in the street or the person sat next to you in Starbucks. Talk to as many people as you can, because you never know who you'll end up meeting.
19. You can learn something from everyone.
20. Never settle. You only get one life so live it how you want too. Don't make decisions based on others happiness.
I like some of your points Bekka, some I definitely need to try and take on board myself! :) x
ReplyDeleteThanks Brogan! x
DeleteBeen having a crappy month in general and reading your list really did bring my spirit up. I'm only 19 and I'm starting to realize I take things too serious, too focused and sadly to say, I take people for granted.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it helped a little. Too focused is never a bad thing, and I think we all take people for granted sometimes! x
Deletethis is beautiful and spot on. i wish i had read this when i was 20! x
ReplyDeleteMiho @ Wander to Wonder
This is really great! It's nice to remember these things and to slow down and remember the little things!
ReplyDelete~Sara