I could blame it on the astrological happenings or that I am officially approaching two years since college graduation. Still, I can’t shake this overwhelming feeling of confusion combined with readiness for what’s ahead. We spend so much of our present moments focusing on what’s ahead while simultaneously consistently reflecting and questioning the past (or at least I definitely do). Have I done enough? Will I do enough? Will my next love end in heartbreak? Will I stay in the same career industry forever? Filling our brains with unanswered questions is a double-edged sword.
I start this newsletter with some of the decently raw emotions I feel as a 24-year-old teenager in today’s world as a segue into the letter of advice I wrote for my little sister’s 20th birthday. While these words are merely advice from my experience, I am still a young and naive soul. I hope this gives her a glimpse into what is ahead as she enters her twenties. But more than anything, writing these thoughts quieted the anxieties left unanswered above- for a moment at least.
Here we go:
As you enter your 20s, remember to keep your head high, your eyes wide open, and your heart ready to live a million lives. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible while understanding that saying no holds great power. Most things are never as serious as they seem. It may feel like the weight of the world is on your chest, but that feeling is usually temporary and an experience you will cringe or laugh at later. Comparison and jealousy will get you nowhere, and if you can’t seem to shake them, use them as motivation. But never waste your time using your clouded judgment to take someone else down. There will always be someone you think is prettier, cooler, smarter, richer, or has her life more figured out. Don’t waste your time wishing you were her; there is a girl out there who has the exact same thoughts about you. Love is a language that we spend our whole lives attempting to master. Despite how assured they sound, no one knows the key to love, so don’t let anyone tell you what to do but your heart. That’s not to say that advice is not important, but our heart tends to make up our minds long before we realize it. A boy is just that… a boy. The majority of the time, you are projecting your fantasies on him, and he is not as exceptional as you may think. Never give him enough power to ruin you, but always allow yourself a moment to feel all your feelings. Beauty holds the most power, but not just aesthetics. Let your beauty shine as you walk into every room with confidence and excitement felt from the corners. Always be there for your friends and listen more than you talk when they need you to. Boundaries are extremely important, so know who is worth your time and who is not. Your best friends are your chosen family, and your family will always be your best friend. You will fail and get rejected, and that is very important. If you didn’t have the valleys, you wouldn’t have experienced the glories of the peaks. Unfortunately, Mom is always right, and Dad’s bits of wisdom will find you when you most need them. Eliza will always lean towards logic, and I will hit you with the hard truth or incredibly reckless advice. Either way, listen to us. Oliver will always be your biggest flex- use that wisely. Never be afraid to be yourself. Life is too short to fall into line with the rest of the crowd. We’re so lucky to live this life full of every resource at our fingertips. Do what you will with that, and don’t regret a moment of it!
I hope you enjoyed that little piece, and I challenge you to set aside some time to write a letter to either your younger self or someone younger than you. You will realize you know more than you think and are not as lost as you may feel. Love you guys!
shes so lucky!!!