21 Things I Would Tell My 21-Year-Old Self
Sometimes you have to have bad things happen to you in order to become the version of yourself that you need to be.
21 is such a pivotal year. You’re likely a junior or senior in college, so close to graduating and starting your adult life. It’s scary, it’s exciting, it’s important. I often wish I could go back and tell my 21-year-old self what I know now, but since I can’t, I’m hoping this advice can help some of you who are in or about to enter some of the best (and toughest) years of your life.
In your 20’s hardly anyone knows what’s going on— most people are good at "faking it” (especially for social media).
You probably won’t get your dream job right out of college, and that’s okay. You just need to pay the bills and gain experience.
Stop chasing emotionally unavailable men.
You’ll lose friends you thought you’d walk down the aisle with. That doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means you’ve outgrown each other.
It’s not “Do they like me?”, it’s “Do I like them?”.
Learn that “No” is a complete sentence. Don’t be afraid to use it often. You don’t owe everyone an explanation.
Don’t forget about yourself in a relationship. If it ends, the only person left with you is you. Make sure you love who you are and always enjoy your own company.
Hooking up with boys won’t make them like you.
Stop caring so much about what other people think of you.
Love your body for what it is and make sure to take care of it.
Don’t spend time with people who are always talking about each other because odds are they’re talking about you too.
Don’t settle just because you’re lonely.
Sometimes the best love stories are the ones that teach us how to let go.
Learn about finances! It’s normal to feel broke. Credit cards are dangerous and saving (even a tiny bit) per paycheck is important.
Heartbreak isn’t the end of the world, it only feels like it.
Do what feels good for you, not other people.
No one is naturally built for corporate. Take a deep breath, ask questions, and work hard.
Alcohol should never be used as a coping mechanism.
Loving how someone makes you feel isn’t the same as loving someone.
Only pour your energy into the people in your life who bring positivity. If they make you feel anxious or uneasy, it’s time to let them go.
Sometimes you have to have bad things happen to you in order to become the version of yourself that you need to be.
Shout out to everyone on Instagram who contributed their thoughts and advice to this piece ❤️
PS: My debut novel, Call It What You Want, is available to order here. I appreciate your time and support more than you know! ILYSM <3