Dear 28 Year Old Me: Birthday Reflections on What I Wish I Knew 20 Years Ago
Just like that, Aquarius season is over. Happy Birthday wishes to all the Aquas, and now the beautiful Pisces. I’m a year older, and hopefully wiser. Turning forty-eight isn’t a “milestone birthday,” but I always believe it’s important to reflect every year. It’s a part of my birthday self-care ritual. (Check my birthday post from last year: “20 Ways to Self-care on Your Birthday.”) This year, as my birthday week ended, I reflected on where I was in my life 20 years ago. Twenty-eight was an important year for me. That year, I got promoted to a management position in my career, became pregnant with my first child, and got married. With so many life shifting things happening, I wish my now older and wiser self could have given a little advice on a few things.
Here’s eight tips to my younger self:
Save. Save. Save!
Save as much as you can before you start a family. My pediatric dentist once told me: “No one has kids to save money.” Children are a blessing, but it gets to be damn near impossible to save the way you’d like to, once all of the expenses of raising a child start rolling in. I should have owned property years ago, but… hindsight is 20/20.Travel more and treat yourself well.
Live to the fullest. Travel to different places and have as many new experiences as you can. Do it alone if you have to, but don’t wait on anyone or waste opportunities.Be relentless in working on your mental and emotional health.
Develop healthy techniques to handle stress and keeping yourself grounded. It will help you with marriage and motherhood and your overall personal happiness.Surround yourself with powerful people of all ages and backgrounds.
I have always believed that I can learn from all types of people. But networking and intentionally planting myself in different circles was not something my age group focused on like younger generations did.Change is good and it is integral to finding your passion.
Get comfortable being a little uncomfortable. Stability is good, but shake the table a little, once in a while.Work on your marriage before you get married.
Whew chile! This is a big one. You need to be your best self, that knows your worth. Work on any areas that need improving before you commit to anybody else. I can do a whole new blog post on this..You can’t please everyone. And you shouldn’t try to.
Criticism and judgement is a part of life. No matter how good or bad you are, you will get criticized. Do what serves you and learn from your mistakes. It really isn’t that deep.You’re amazing. Tell yourself this daily.
Positive speech is so important. Especially the stuff you tell yourself. Internal positivity radiates to others through your spirit and your smile. Nurture your inner light.
What advice would you tell your younger self? Tell me in the comments below.
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