I’d like to think that the older I get, the wiser I get. And although I’ve had an amazing life thus far, there are definitely experiences that have helped me grow and make me into the person I am today.
I once read a meme or something that said even if you didn’t meet one person (whether it was a stranger at Starbucks whom you smiled at or someone who is constantly in your life), your life would be different. It really made me think. Experiences, people, places, they make you who you are. If I had the chance to sit down with my 2o year old self, there are a few things I’d like to tell her.
This blog is going to become very, very important to you.
Man, if someone would have told me that blogging was going to take off and become its own industry, I probably would have invested a lot more into it. But at the time, I was busy being a college student. I was definitely having fun with my blog, and experimenting with outfit photos (thanks to Linda), but other things came first. When I started my blog, I was working at Kate Spade, work in the Admissions Office as a Student Ambassador, and having fun being a college kid.
Unfortunately, blogging took off and I didn’t realize that I could grow my blog until a few years later. But, things happened the way they should, and now I’m proud of what I’ve created over the last five and a half years.
Networking is everything.
I think I’d consider myself an introverted extrovert. I love people, and I love to talk, but sometimes it takes a while for me to open up to others. Or even to muster up the courage to talk with someone. Between my jobs at school (Orientation Leader, Student Ambassador, and working at Kate Spade), I learned that networking is extremely important. Luckily, my blog has helped with networking. I’ve been fortunate to attend amazing conferences and events where I had no choice but to network. I’ve made really great connections through networking.
Don’t let anyone define you.
This took me a while to figure out. Even from a young age, I was always a step behind someone else. I was never the “leader” of the pack, or I was always defined as “so and so’s girlfriend”. Once I went through a stupid break up, I think I learned a lot. A LOT. Me, myself, and I. I’ve learned to be a strong, independent woman (so cheesy, I know). It’s been amazing to recognize that I’m able to hold my own. I enjoy holding my own. I enjoy treating myself with my hard earned money. And I enjoy building my brand.
Take care of your skin now.
If I could go back and slap my 20 year old self in the face, I probably would. I used to not give a crap about my skin, all I wanted was to be tan. I used to put BABY OIL AND IODINE ON MY SKIN TO TAN. How ridiculous is that?! I wish I would have taken better care of my skin when I was younger. This year, I’ve vowed to take care of my skin. Better late than never, right? As a side note, I’m in the market for a good moisturizer with SPF that I can wear daily. Soooooooo suggestions are welcomed!
Surround yourself with amazing people.
Now that I’m in my mid-twenties, I’ve finally found myself surrounded by unbelievable people. My coworkers are unreal. They’re so inspiring, and I learn so much from them every day. My friends from high school are my ride or dies…and I mean that. And the people I’ve met through blogging (Linda gets thrown into this category because she has a blog, lol) have become the one who know me so well. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people in my life. And I also wouldn’t be where I am without cutting out some of the toxic people in my life.
When I look back on it, I’m pretty proud of how far the 20 year old me has come over the last six years. I’ve grown up, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve partied hard, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve made a pretty damn good life for myself so far. *praise hands emoji*
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