I haven’t been writing this week because my sister is visiting. Between running around Toronto doing touristy things (shopping, pedicures, coffee, bookstores, repeat) we’ve been watching the original 90210 series (from the 90’s!) from the beginning = Sisterly bonding at its best. I’ve been trapped in the land of West Beverly High and the Peach Pit and its likely I won’t be back for another 48 hours or so. Luckily, my friend Liz has stepped in to provide a guest post today!
Liz is the community manager for We Love Dates & the author behind one of my favorite blogs It’s Unbeweavable. Elizabeth’s blog was one of the first blogs I got into when I first started blogging. Maybe it’s because I could tell that she and I went through similar experiences as 20-somethings or that she shares my secret love for sugary alcohol and Aaron Spelling dramas but, I instantly connected to what she was writing about. Liz is smart & passionate & brave. Whether she’s writing about shoes or something difficult she’s going through, I love Liz’s ability to take whatever she’s feeling and transform it into a post that makes me smile & leaves me feeling inspired. She’s awesome. Oh & she has great hair. I want her hair. Did that sound creepy? Maybe a little bit?
I was really excited when Liz said she’d write the next installment of “Things I Would Tell my 20-year Old Self”. I hope you enjoy her list & check out her blog!
Take it away Liz!!!
I can’t believe some of the ridiculous things I did when I was 20! Armed with too many credit cards, new found freedom and an affinity for fruity liquor and dark eyeliner, I was going to take over the world…if only I could stop watching 90210 reruns and obsessing over some dude. Ten years later, I like to think I’ve learned a few things about life, love and everything in between. Here are a few things I would tell my 20 year old self.
1. When you get your heart broken, and you will, feel it. Don’t run away from the pain, don’t cover it up with other guys or drinking too much. Feel it. Talk to your friends and your family. Don’t push people away, and do not let this harden you. Feel it…and feel yourself getting stronger. You will forget most things about him, but you will never forget how he made you feel-and you’ll never settle for that again. Oh, and also? You’ll meet someone 20 million gazillion times better soon, so don’t worry about that…I promise.
2. Don’t gossip.
Follow the golden rule- “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Feeling popular and super included is fun, but it’s not worth it if you have to be a snobby little bitch! You weren’t raised like that! Be kind. Find the good in everyone.
3. Learn about your finances.
I know, borrrrring. But do it! Doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with $100 or $100,000. Learn how to save, learn about 401ks and all that jazz, learn how to do your taxes. Even if someone else handles your money, don’t just turn a blind eye. You worked hard for it. On that note, knock it off with the credit cards and nooo you will not wear those shoes so don’t buy them!
4. Keep it classy. Respect yourself and your body. This means-don’t sleep with everyone, protect yourself when you do, try to occasionally eat a vegetable, and for the loove of God, drinking 2 bottles of cheap wine through a straw is not a good look on you.
5. Instead of spending your hard earned cash on “stuff”, spend it on priceless experiences. Travel. Take a trip with your sister, your best friend or your boyfriend. Or, if you really want to get the most out of it, go alone. Get out of your comfortable bubble and explore the world. Learn about new cultures, new foods, but most importantly, learn about yourself. This is the time to do it-settling down is not something you need to be worried about right now.
6. Make face to face time a priority. Have lunch with your Mom. Go see your grandparents even if you don’t want to because your friends are doing something “cool”. Visit a friend who is having a hard time. Soon, most communication will be done over the internet or via text…and you’ll miss spending time with the people you love.
7. Take your make-up off every night and use an eye cream, preferably a serum. Trust me, when you’re 30, you’re going to wish you still looked 20.
8. Work hard…but Chill Out. So many unexpected things are about to happen-be open to them and roll with the punches. Follow your passion and don’t ever let negative people or self doubt stand in the way of you and your goals, because trust me, they will try.
What would YOU tell your 20-year old (or younger) self?
For more of this series, check out part 1 & part 2.
