On the cusp of graduation, this is such a crazy time. My dreams are in plain view while simultaneously being out of sight. My bank account is virtually empty but my heart is fuller than its ever been. I am so sleep deprived but so pumped on adrenaline. There are only four weeks left of my final semester of college.
Holy crap.
I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflecting lately. I have this inner surge of desire for change; to really break into my independence. Growing up, I thought you lost your innocence and it faded away once you became a “real” adult and started working a 9 to 5. Now, I realize you can retain your innocence and you can create the life you want. In the midst of self-reflecting, I sat down and wrote some words of semi-wisdom to my younger self, and I thought I would share them with you today.
Dear Younger Self,
Don’t worry about the boys who won’t dance with you. “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias will no longer be your favorite song and boys with wit and wine > boys with lacrosse sticks and cheap beer cans.
…okay, maybe cheap beer is okay sometimes. But only when you’re in college. You’ll understand when you get there. Just beware of beer pong because you will be terrible at it and that will work against you.
Abercrombie & Fitch is really not that cool. Really.
Don’t worry about being popular. You’re going to pave your own path and form friendships with people that make you love life more than you ever thought possible.
Don’t worry about getting straight A’s. Your effort, perserverance and character are so much more important than your GPA.
Don’t be insecure about your smile. It’s one of the best gifts you can share with the world.
Don’t worry about the size of your boobs. You’ll be grateful when you’re older and they don’t jiggle when you run and you only need one sports bra to hold them in place. #ittybittytittycommittee
And most importantly…
The size of your body is not nearly as important as the size of your character. OWN THAT. You are worth it. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
Love,
Older (and ever-so-slightly wiser) Self
Question of the Day: If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you tell him / her?
The winner of the MILA giveaway is #21, Rebecca, who said: ”I used to use chia seeds every morning in my oatbran/oatmeal, but i haven’t used them in a while! I would probably use them in lemonade or iced tea because it’s getting warmer outside – plus extra nutrition!”
Congratulations! Send all of your mailing information to heather@fortheloveofkale.com and your MILA will be on its way!
I’d definitely tell myself to ditch the freshman-year-of-college boyfriend (who would eventually cheat on you!) and focus on making lasting friendships with girlfriends
If I could do a do-over I would have followed my passion for health by majoring in it, even if at the time it seemed like a crazy notion.
Amen to the boyfriend comment! Also, it’s never too late to follow your passions.
You’re rockin’ it!
I love this! What a great post
Makes me think too! Oh and I love the ittybittyboobs comment haha AMEN to THAT!
Thanks, Kristen! IBTC members fo’ sho.
Good luck on these last 4 weeks!
Thanks, Matt!
Aww, this was so poignant and touching. I wish my younger self knew a lot of those same things. I also miss the reflection that came with my senior year of college – such an awesome, exciting/scary time! You feel ready for the real world?
Thank you, Faith. You’re such a nice person.
I’m SO ready!!! Senioritis is totally haunting me.
I love this post! Oh man, ‘Hero’ at those junior high dances… those seem so ridiculous in hindsight. Also, greetings from another member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee! I totally love them now that I see women with large breasts having issues. I would definitely tell my junior high self to never ever consider putting tissues in my bra ever again. That “wisdom with age” thing they told us about really is true – and I’m excited to write a letter to my 23 year old self twenty years from now.
All the best for these last 4 weeks!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who specifically remembers Enqrique being played at those cheesy dances.
Growing up is so crazy…I can’t wait to read future letters too. <3
beautiful words girl! xoxo
Thank you, sweet girl!
Heather,
Thanks so much for this post! I am graduating soon as well and I have quite a few things that I would write to my younger self.
I especially appreciating hearing the last part– it’s something I’m struggling with right now.
Keep shining,
Melissa
Melissa, my heart is with you! If you need anything, I’m only an email away. <3
Ok girl, this is most definitely the best post ever. Thanks for making me cry! It is all so so so incredibly true!
Meg, I didn’t mean to make you cry! Or did I?
I know they were happy tears, though. <3 LOVE YOU!
I am 43 so this is a perfect time to tell my younger self a few things! “Use Sunscreen not Baby Oil”! “Your hair and bangs Do Not have to Be so Big and High” and one last thing, “Stir-Up pants are NOT cool”
Major LOL to the hair/bangs comment.
So true.
I’d tell myself, “It gets better.” Aside from maybe age 5 (I think 5 was a cool year, right?), every year has gotten better. I’m now 25, settled, married, and truly happy. Patience is a virtue!
Yes, Tiff, age 5 was TOTALLY cool.
Wise, wise words
Good luck with your last month of college!! Sounds like you are in a very positive mindset and poised to do great!
Thank you so much, Jami! Yes – I am in a good space. A little scatterbrained, but in a good space.
Good luck with your final weeks at school, pretty crazy! Your post is so emotional, I love it. Such a wonderful, well done post!! And all very true.
Thanks, Lisa! Hugs. <3
I love this letter you’ve written to yourself! It speaks to me. And I remember my college roomie being upset that she had to wear two sports bras when she worked out. I was NOT jealous! Yes, itty bitty club is OK by me, we can flaunt what we’ve got
and it’s true I’ve found wit and wine to be way more appealing to me than sports and beer. Not that I’m close minded but…hey, it’s wine!
Dreams are coming true, I”m living proof that the journey doesn’t stop when you enter the 9 to 5 world. 9 to 5 can also be merely a backdrop while you pursue your destiny.
Amen, sister! You work so hard and inspire me every day.
Ahhh! I NEED this outfit the blond is wearing in the middle in the second photo. Are those leggings or jeans and any idea where she got that adorable polka dot top?
I heart dots.
LOVE THIS!!!!!!!
))