My twenty-eighth birthday was last month (I know I’m really late posting this, but bare with me). I’m not a particularly huge birthday person, but I do enjoy taking time to reflect on my life, and all of the changes {big and little} that usually occur from birthday to birthday. Twenty Eight is nothing special, but it is a multiple of 7 (shout out to all my fellow number geeks!) and it marks an entire decade of legally being an adult. That’s right, ten years post high school — yikes, right?
Today, I’m writing a letter to my younger self, to my sweet eighteen year old self, which will provide a few life lessons I’ve learned in the last TEN years.
Dear Eighteen Year Old Dara,
Here are all of the things I’ve learned (most the hard way) in about 500 words. Alright, here goes. The best remedy for a broken heart is time. Speaking of heartbreak, the cliché is totally wrong, love is not enough. Please stop lying to yourself, your stomach does not handle ice cream well. Your body and mind are both far more capable than you think. Speak up for yourself when something doesn’t sit well, it’s OK to be bold, and if you’re going to do so, stay confident. When it comes to eyeliner (and most things, for that matter), less is more. If you don’t want to go to that party, then don’t. Loose the FOMO. The sooner the better. Never underestimate the power of a hug. Listen to your gut, 99% of the time it’ll end up being right, whether you want it to be or not. Your body is your temple, treat it right, feed it properly, and exercise it daily. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t always good enough. Getting enough sleep is pretty damn important. Stay silly, be kind hearted, and never loose your childlike wonder — it’s what your fiancé will love the most about you. Friends will come and go, let them. People are in your life at a particular time, for a particular reason. And sometimes, you outgrow each other, and that’s perfectly OK — thank them for the memories. Always keep your faith. Don’t ask for too many opinions, it’ll only dilute your own. Don’t waste your time on people who are reckless with your heart, and don’t be reckless with other peoples. Because what goes around comes around — that much is true. What other people think about you is none of your business. You are naturally very fair skinned, you will never catch a tan — so stop trying! Taking ‘me’ time is perfectly acceptable and healthy, in fact, it’s encouraged. Have a separate savings accounts for medical expenses, copays, and prescriptions. Your mother is usually right, so yield her advise. Always carry an umbrella and cash. The bond between your brothers and your cousins is invaluable, hold on tightly to it. Get to know your grandparents, you never know when they will be gone.Volunteer with and for those who are less fortunate than you. There is always someone less fortunate than you — so count your blessings rather than your troubles. Keep a gratitude journal and a regular journal. You do not have to participate in every argument you’re invited to. Admitting you are wrong is a very powerful and gracious thing. Be thankful and stay humble. If it won’t bother you in a year, there’s no point in getting worked up over it today. No one cares or wants to hear you complaining that you are tired, everyone is tired. Your perception is everything. Do things that make you glow and loose track of time, so find your passion. Be cautious who you open up to and trust, only a few people care, the rest are just curious. The best thing you can possibly spend your money on will be experiences, like travel, skydiving, concerts, and weekend escapes. No one notices your pimple, stop talking about it. Life goes by very quickly, so try to enjoy each and every day — stay present and in the moment.
With love,
Twenty-Eight Year Old Dara
PS. you’ll be really proud of who you’ve become, developed, and molded into within the next 10 years, so cheers to that!