February has blown by just as quickly as I thought it would. I turned 29 this month which is absurd because I still feel like I'm about 19...until I try to go on a bender and then it quickly becomes clear to me that I'm waaaay closer to 30 than 20! It is so surreal how quickly time flies.
When I think back to college and where I thought I'd be in my life right now, its honestly shocking to me how things turned out. I definitely did not think I would be married to a Marine. Or living in Japan. Or working as a yoga instructor instead of a Realtor! So many things have happened that I didn't expect. It's funny how life works isn't it?
And the craziest thing of all is looking back and realizing how many tiny, quotidian instances and decisions lead to this very moment! The person you are today has been a process, millions of thoughts and emotions turned into actions and words. An infinite number of choices could have been made, but each specific one you CHOSE has lead you to now.
It's so incredible to me how interwoven our lives are, and how easily things could have been completely different (The Chaos Theory and all that). I just feel so incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by such wonderful role models my whole life. I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today if it hadn't been for my parents, family, friends, even chance encounters with strangers.
I feel like as I get older, I am more easily able to step outside of myself and try to see the bigger picture. I've learned some pretty great life lessons in my 29 years and I'm definitely not claiming to know it all but here are just a few things that I wish I could tell my 19 year old self...
Always, always be kind, to everyone, even if you don't feel like it.
Try to get to know people who are different from you, you'll be better for it.
Talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words.
Don't care so much about what other people think.
Don't ever let your happiness depend on someone else.
Above all always be truthful and genuine, especially to yourself.
You don't have to say everything you think out loud.
It's okay to say 'no'.
It is sometimes better to ask for forgiveness, than for permission.
Start building your credit history!
You will never regret going out of your way to help another.
Focus more on the NOW.
Keep spending time with your family, you wont regret it!
Never settle for something just because it is easy.
It is okay to be alone. In fact your relationship with yourself is the most important.
One day the little things will be the big things, and the big things will be the little things.
Try to meditate for a little while every day.
Keep reading everything you can get your hands on.
Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. (-E.R)
Always speak out when you witness injustices, even if its uncomfortable.
It's okay to FEEL sad or angry or upset, but remember that YOU are not your emotions.
Your thoughts become your words and deeds.
There are so many things that I have learned about myself and life in the last 10 years. I have made a lot of mistakes, done my fair share of stupid things, and eaten my words more than once, but ultimately I think it all worked out okay!
What do you wish you could tell your younger self?
Em
P.S
Here is my Pinterest board for motivational words of wisdom!
