28 things I wish I knew

In September, I’ll be turning 28. Birthdays are starting to feel a bit different now. I’m not dreading them, but time is feels like it is just slipping, and I feel older lately. Chat with a person in their 40s and 50s and they will laugh, saying oh, you have so much time dear. You have so much life to live. And it’s true, I do. I know and appreciate that, but I can’t help but feeling like my real youth is slipping away, like I am now 100% in adulthood. And although adulthood has its pros and cons like any other stage in life, there are a lot of things I wish I knew in my early 20s. But with that being said, you have to live to get there. You only know these things after the fact. You only know these things when you live and grow as a human being. But when I was younger, I loved reading these types of blog posts because I loved tapping into other people’s brains and seeing things from other perspectives.

I wish I knew..

1. That nothing was and is set in stone

2. That the choices I made weren’t to make me or break me – they were to help me grow.

3. That nobody was paying as much attention to me as I thought they were. I didn’t have to be so self-conscious all the time.

4. That I didn’t have to go to a 4-year university right after high school. That it was OK to dip my feet into education to find my passion before I drowned myself in debt.

5. That having and maintaining good credit starts from the very beginning. Mistakes you make early on can and will affect you in the future.

6. That you can’t maintain every single friendship forever. Some people are meant to go. Some people are meant to stay, but most importantly, some people are meant to come and go to leave whatever lesson they are suppose to leave.

7. That burning bridges is a huge mistake. You never know who you are going to need in the future. End everything in some type of positive way if possible.

8. That heartbreak can’t be avoided. Whether it’s a boyfriend, best friend, or whatever has your heart and soul, it’s going to happen.

9. That you should always be yourself. It’s such a waste of time and energy trying to be someone else or mold yourself for someone. Don’t settle because it’s the easier route.

10. That you should take quality or quantity any day.

11. That you don’t have to be so uptight. It’s okay to let people in. It’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes.

12. That you should do all the experiments. Experience everything. You will never grow into your own until you’ve tried it all. Find out what you love, what you don’t, and do what makes you happy.

13. That you’re gonna be glued to your phone one day, and then the whole world is going to pass you by. You’re going to read about people living and you, yourself are never going to live. Put the phone down.

14. That exercising and eating good is essential to mental health.

15. That in order to find happiness, you must find what you’re passionate about.

16. That you should take some risks if you truly believe you can find happiness or it can help you become a better you. Flip or flop – doesn’t matter.

17. Wait to have kids. Wait until you are comfortable in your own skin, your environment is solid, and you feel a sense of peace.

18. That making connections to people of all different backgrounds, who have all different interests, people who you may not have much in common with – this is so important for learning and because you get a better grasp at the world.

19. That reading about what’s going on in the world is important.

20. That you shouldn’t be flakey. You can be indecisive, but don’t be flakey. Not up for something like a party or a certain situation? Be honest. Don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings? Learn to say no in a respectful way. I repeat, learn to say no.

21. That social media isn’t real life. As I always say, it’s highlight reels. No body cares what you do in your real life if you never even see any of your Facebook friends. Don’t avoid something because you are afraid of what people will think. Who cares? Do you even see these people? The people closest to you will know your story and that’s all that matters

22. That you can’t be butthurt every time someone decides to delete you from social media. Who cares? And while you’re at it, if someone gives you a bad vibe, delete them. You don’t need negativity in your life, you don’t have to accept or tolerate negativity in your life. The world can be hard enough sometimes, stay away from anything or anyone that makes you feel sad or bad about yourself.

23. That you don’t have to compare every single thing about yourself to other people.

24. That learning to stay humble is one of the most invaluable traits you can have.

25. That some things really do need to be kept private. Away from social media. Away from anyone who it doesn’t involve. You need to protect your tribe. You need to know when to share and when not to share.

26. That you should always try to be as kind as much as you possibly can.

27. That you have to work hard. Maybe you’ll have breaks or some luck, but the harder you work, the more luck you’ll notice you’ll have.

28. That it’s going to be important to connect spiritually. Whether it’s with God or channeling your inner vibes, starting to build that relationship early on will carry over and strengthen you during your weak days. Ah, you will have plenty of those.

Is there anything you would add to this list? Drop a comment below! Would love to hear what other people have to say 🙂

~ mamajbirdy