I turned 25 back in April, and I had a bit of a quarter life crisis. I felt as though I didn't know what I was doing and I was trying to figure out a way to navigate through this crazy adventure that is my 20s. So I sat down and decided to write down things I want myself to know now, at 25.
1) Most of the time, you don't know anything about anything. That was true when you were 15 and that will be true when you are 65. You do, however, know how to be a good person and you know how to follow your heart. Keep doing that and you'll be just fine.
2) Don't go on Facebook so much. Seriously... it's a waste of time.
3) You're 25. You aren't in college any more. You know how to cook a healthy meal. STOP EATING TOP RAMEN. Your body doesn't like it.
4) Also, it's time to drink more responsibly. You don't have to stop altogether, but the excess must stop. No one will think you are any cooler for taking an extra tequila shot.
5) Remember to always love your big thighs, your bubble butt, the way your eyes squint when you smile, the freckles... they are precious family heirlooms that have been handed down to you from generations of brilliantly beautiful people.
6) Be grateful for that moment when you decided to stop being such a jaded sarcastic asshole and let your guard down long enough to fall in love, and let someone fall in love with you. Even if it ends in heartbreak, it is still one of the greatest adventures you have been on.
7) Always make time for your parents. They might live another 25 years, but they probably won't. Enjoy the time you spend with them. Enjoy getting to know them as their adult child and realize that they still have a lot to teach you.
8) In fact, make time for everyone in your life. You have a lot of people who love you. Don't ever become one of those people who just get too "busy". Make time for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a phone conversation. Make time.
9) Posture. Work on that. That curve in your back is going to be painful when you are 70.
10) You are kind of turning into a grouch. Stop that. Immediately. Yes, life has thrown you some pretty awful curve balls over the years. That will continue to happen until you die; it's part of life. Let it make you stronger for having made it through and grateful for all that you have. Let it make you compassionate for the 7 billion people with their own struggles. Don't let it make you bitter. Don't let it make you cynical, and DO NOT, under any circumstance, let it take away your sunshine.
11) Stop comparing yourself to everyone you know. Just do you. You're good at that.
12) Keep writing. Know that some of the things you write will be really bad. Write because it makes you happy. Write because it is important to have hobbies. Write because putting your thoughts down on paper has always been therapeutic for you; write because sometimes, on very rare occasions, the things you write will be more powerful that you would have ever thought.
13) Keep going after the life that you want to live. I am going to be really pissed if 65 year old Katie is sitting alone in a house in the suburbs with 10 cats. You hate cats, remember?! Unless, of course, somewhere along the way that is what I decide that I want, in which case, it's totally fine.
14) It's good to have a plan but remember it is ok to wander off the path a little and get lost. You will have an amazing support system that will be there with you through it all.
15) Please don't sell out nor settle. You are better that that.
16) Be thankful that you are the youngest in your family and you have been able to learn from the mistakes of your siblings. But also be thankful that you are able to learn from their success and the amazing people they've become.
17) Be fearless. Be brave. Be confident in who you are.
18) Even though you really want a dog, wait. At this point in your life, you'd kill a fish.
19) Same goes for kids. Just wait. I'm sure you'll make a great mom one day, but that day doesn't have to be anytime soon.
20) Read more books. Blogs are great. Online media is great. But don't forget to turn off the computer, put away the cell phone and pick up a real book every once in awhile.
21) Never lose your faith in God, nor forget your roots. Your ancestors survived so much, yet never lost sight of the true prize...of the reason we are all here.
22) Always spend time in nature. Be it fishing, or sitting on the porch steps. Plant a garden and get dirt under your nails. Stand at the edge of the ocean and wonder what is beyond the horizon. Take it all in.
23) In life, you will realize there is a role for everyone that you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it's worth it.
24) A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your family, friends, dream, faith or dignity.
25) Lastly, I think you are wonderful. You sometimes forget this, so I am reminding you.
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