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Today I turn 26. 26 beautiful years on this planet. Some hard years, some amazing years, some lost years but a life lived without regret. Nevertheless, it’s still such a crazy feeling to look back in time and see how much you’ve grown.
Just when you think you have it all figured out you discover that you really don’t know anything at all.
Yes, this is me at 21 – so sassy.
I wouldn’t change a single event along my course. They’ve all taught me something about myself and brought me to where I am today, which despite the official number I am still pretty damn stoked about.
But as I look back on my 21 year old self (exactly 5 years ago), I do wish I could tell that lost, young woman a thing or two. Perhaps you are there right now. If you’re anything like me you probably won’t listen to a word of this post, but rest assured that time will reveal it all to you. And if you’re more open-minded than I was, I hope you learn a thing or two.
10 Things I Wish I Could Tell My 21 Year Old Self:
1. It’s okay to love your parents and not listen to them.
Even when you defy them and challenge their notion of what they foresee in your future, if you’re adamant and hard-working, they will come around. And even if they don’t, a little self-reliance goes a long way. Sometimes that fire under your ass to perform is exactly what you need.
2. Wear sunscreen.
5 years from now you will genuinely start to fear skin cancer and wrinkles. Stop competing for the darkest shade of bronze; It’s a dumb decision. Also, hats are your friend and when all else fails, use bronzer.
3. Love is not the same as comfort.
Love isn’t because you’re scared of not being together or being alone. Don’t confuse the two. Love is knowing that you’d be just fine on your own but your life is infinitely better with that person. Also you’re about to meet the love of your life…hold on tight.
4. Losing those 10 pounds won’t make you happier.
This message will allude you but you’ll eventually come to understand it when you hit that goal and in the process make yourself more miserable. You’re allowed to want to improve yourself but how you feel takes precedence to how you look. Unfortunately you’re gonna injure the hell out of your back to discover this, but it’s a lesson worth living.
5. All of those Thought Catalogue articles you read about being in your 20s…they’re all true.
Yes, you’ll get lamer and movie nights become far more exciting than hitting the bars, but you’ll also love and appreciate how awesome it feels to wake and be productive. Also hangovers (on the rare occasion they do happen) are THAT much worse.
6. Friendships require work and it’s okay to give up on some to make room for the ones you want to invest in.
It’s not about quantity, but quality. Friendships are precious and necessary but don’t overload your life with half-ass friendships that don’t make you excited. Friends should add value to your life and you should add value to theirs. History doesn’t mean future, so let go of the friends you don’t connect with anymore without any shame or guilt. Hold on tightly and invest what you have in the friends you hold dear. They’re worth it.
7. Doubt doesn’t mean don’t.
It’s okay to be afraid of something and then do it anyway. It’s the situations you fear most that end up being the most rewarding. Use this with discretion but unless your life is in danger, feel your fears and do it anyway.
8. You’ll never regret rising above it.
Situations will occur where you are pushed to a point of anger and frustration. You will think that acting and sharing your mind is the solution, but trust that it never is. Give yourself time to absorb a situation before you act. 90% of the time you’ll choose to rise above it and when you look back you’ll be grateful that you did.
9. You don’t have to be who you think you are.
Don’t spend your life trying to fulfill a prophecy you have set for yourself. It’s okay to be inconsistent and outrageous. You think you know who you are, but you don’t. The only way to find out who that is is to step outside your comfort zone even if it’s well beyond the definition of who you believe you are.
10. Everything is going to be okay.
Things have a way of working themselves out. It doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be some struggle, but have faith that it will all be okay in the end. And breathe, my friend. Breathe deeply and powerfully.
Here’s a couple of things I hope I can tell myself 5 years from now (Holy 31!):
-Value comes from within, not any kind of external gratification. No amount of money, page views or gold stars will bring you happiness. You are the same person before and after these accomplishments. These are things that happen to you, but they are not YOU.
-Accept that there will always be more to do. Don’t let the stress of a never-ending to-do list rule your life. Enough said.
-Gossip, drama and everything that comes with it is never worth it. Eliminate your life of these toxins and the people who come with it.
-Communicate to others when you are unhappy or upset, don’t just pull away. Probably my #1 vice in life is running without sharing. It hurts others even if you think you’re protecting them.
I’m off to celebrate another year past! Have a slice (or two) of cookie cake for me! Thank you all for making this another memorable year <3
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AMEN to all of these, girl! Happy belated birthday, and I hope you had a great time celebrating it!
Thanks, lovely! It was a total blast!
Yes. Love all of these. As a 21 year old, I cringe at all of the Thought Catalog articles, and often wonder what the heck I am doing with my life. Hopefully it all falls into place in the next five years.. Happy Birthday!!!
I assure you it will! Deep breaths and relax a little. You’re on one hell of an adventure! Enjoy the ride 🙂
Happy belated birthday! Hope you had a great day of celebrating. 🙂
I completely agree with almost all of these! And I really like your point about doubt not meaning “don’t”. I think that’s something I’ve struggled with for years – I still have some massive regrets stemming from that. But having those regrets makes me a lot more aware, so I always keep it in mind when I’m having doubts now.
Exactly! Self-doubt is still something I struggle with but those moments where I ignored it and just tackled something anyway have by far been the most rewarding. I miss you lady! I hope all is well with you. I think we’re due for a life update!!! xo
Yes it’s been ages!!! I just feel so far away from Toronto now that I’m in the KW… too bad that high speed train won’t be ready for another decade lol.
Happy belated birthday Davida! 🙂 I hope you had a terrific day celebrating!
And your wisdom bits are sooo true. And amazing how wise and grounded you are at 26. 5 years ago I was 26! 😀 And what I would tell my younger self: Don’t worry, love will come along, just stay put, and don’t ever doubt yourself.
I could also tell my younger self not to work so much/late and stress about work, but I believe that led me to where I am today, so that was a step in today’s direction, so it’s all good. Now I can appreciate where I’m at, and know what I really want from life and from my career/work.
I’m still coming to grasp with #1, but I guess it’s called growing up. 😉
#1 is a toughie! Love my parents dearly but only I am an expert on myself and while they certainly have quite a bit of wisdom on me and on life, I ultimately have to make my own decisions/mistakes.
Love hearing your perspective 5 years from now. I certainly hope I have your wisdom! Thanks for the bday wishes, lovely xoxo
Happy birthday to you!! I turn 26 later this year as well, and I recently did some reflecting back on the year prior. It’s crazy how much I wish I could tell to relax a little, and plan a little less! So much changes in our 20s, and usually for the better 🙂
I’m with ya on the planning less! #10 has been one of my greatest life lessons. Loosen the reigns and I think we’re all surprised where life will take us! I’m excited for you to join me in the 26 club 😉
I turned 30 this year which definitely makes you reflect on your life past and the future ahead! I feel in a better place now than I ever have and with age, for me, has come courage, determination and self belief.
You are pretty lucky, I wish I knew and believed at 26 what you do now. You certainly have an amazing head on those shoulders and a good heart inside of you – you will do well and go far 🙂 happy birthday! X
happy birthday! It’s my birthday as well! Love this post, a lot I can relate to.
Happy belated, lovely! I hope your day was equally as wonderful! xox
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I 100% agree with #4 and would tell myself the same thing at 21 (and remind myself of the same thing today!) I’d also tell myself to take chances and not get too comfortable. Your 20s is the best time to figure out who you are and explore the world. Moving across the country was once one of the scariest thoughts but it’s crazy what you can do when you let yourself live and break routine every now and then.
exactly! It’s crazy to look back on the events that scared us and realize how capable we really were. It’s very empowering and encouraging to continue to take chances. Thanks so much, lovely!
Happy Birthday Davida!! Honestly when I saw you were 26 (as am i) and have a brief moment of panic! I have a food blog too and my dream is to have that be my full time gig like you. BUT then I remembered #10 is so incredible true. Everything will work out in time and I have so many other things going my way. Your confidence and attitude towards life is SUPER inspiring and I love how transparent you are about everything. HAVE A KILLER B-DAY SISTA!
Kelsey! So excited to have company in the 26 year old food blogger club 😉 Keep at it! #10 is SO true. Things don’t happen overnight but life certainly does have a funny way of working out! xoxo
Happy Birthday Lovely. Great advice.
I’d tell my much younger self (think 16) not to get the tattoos and to stop smoking. Everything else I’d keep. 🙂
I’d say that’s a fair assessment 😉