My son is graduating from college in May. Yes, my first born is now at the age I was, when I got engaged. Crazy to think. What’s even crazier is that just a year after I graduated I was married. Two years after that, I was pregnant with my first baby boy. I jumped on the fast track train of life at 23 and didn’t realize how fast I was really going. Scary fast.
When you’re in your last semester of college, it’s a scary time. Where am I going to live? What am I going to do with my life? Shouldn’t I be getting married now? When will I find my solemate? Will I make enough money to live on my own? So many questions and so many unknowns. The unknowns are where the anxiety typically comes from.
26 years later I can sit back and reflect on that time again. It almost seems like yesterday. That’s what’s so nice about growing older . . . the amount of wisdom that comes along with each birthday, is truly a gift. Don’t get me wrong, aging is scary, too. But, the mistakes made, lessons learned and growth along the way is priceless.
- Take one day at a time.
- Don’t look too far into the future.
- Start a journal.
- Have goals.
- Surround yourself with good people.
- Find a job you can see yourself enjoying & growing in.
- Remember that money matters, but people & the kind of work you do everyday, does too. In fact, sometimes more.
- Work hard.
- Create a budget.
- Open a savings account. Invest.
- Have a hobby.
- Date so you know what you want and don’t want in your forever person.
- Don’t compare yourselves to other’s.
- Limit social media consumption.
- Have realistic expectations – no job, person or place is perfect.
- Love isn’t butterflies, it’s a choice.
- Choose wisely.
- Live simply.
- Take care of the things important to you.
- Create traditions.
- Don’t continue searching for the next best thing.
- Appreciate what’s in front of you.
- Become the best version of you. Continue learning, reading & growing.
- Be a good friend.
- Stay true to you and what you value most.
- Honesty is always the best policy no matter what.
- Mind over matter is a real thing.
- Have fun & enjoy your 20s.
- Make memories.
- Marry your best friend.