What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
For the last few years I’ve
worked really hard on myself – like the core of myself (my real core not my
apple core) – worked on exploring who I am (Suri’s mom, incase you want to skip
the rest and know the outcome – just kidding) and why I am the way I am (thanks
a lot mom and dad – just kidding, again, I love you both very much) and what it
is I want myself and my life to look and feel like. When I first started my “self
exploration journey” it looked a lot (and sounded a lot like – for those of you
who remember this..) “this is the year of Ange”… and that went on for a couple
years where I sort of just “did” what I wanted, tons of girls trips, Vegas,
serious Island adventuring, work for play – which I had a great time – but I
also lacked a lot of depth.. Fast forward.
Not quite the case, but we live and learn right? I was at a place in my life
where I had abandoned myself to such an extend to conform to others that I didn’t
know what I needed because I didn’t really know who I was. Self care after “the
year of Ange” changed into more of a “where do I fit in life or more – so what
parts of this universe do I want to fit more of into my life”.
What brings me happiness?
How do I want to build my
life to serve me long term?
How will it look for me
to share the best of myself with the world and those around me?
What actually serves me?
And what can go?
Why do we try to fit in?
Why do we try to mold?
What are we even trying
to “fit in to” does it even exist?
What do I actually FEEL.
And why?
And what do I want to
feel more of, and how can I do that?
(and way more – but I
caught you yawning so the rest stay within me – you’re welcome).
In reflection, I have
drastically changed in the last ten years. I have monumentally changed in the
past 2 years. Looking back from where I am now, I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t
go back. Every part of my life has happened for a reason that has brought me to
who I am and where I am today. So, with all this work and change my friend
network has developed and grown. I have found the people I spend most of my
time with are full of adventure, inspiration, experience and our conversation is
deeper and flows around connection, grounding and healthier lives and
experiences. We connect over debriefing and balance and bond over time well
spent. I have soul sisters, real sisters, closer friends, deeper connections
with family, more openness to diversity, a greater ability to under and over
all more curiosity to all of those around me. I have learned SO much and learn
more every day. I am a work in progress (yeah I said it, far from perfect y’all)
and putting in that work brings me happiness.
After a couple similar
conversations recently of “would you go back to a time in your life before now,
or would you want to be at a time in your life prior to this with your
knowledge now?” it kind of sparked some curiosity in me to wonder would I? …
The simple answer is no .. I wouldn’t. And talking to others about this – often the answer is also no (it’s also sometimes YES, and I always love to hear why – we are all so different).
The simple answer is no .. I wouldn’t. And talking to others about this – often the answer is also no (it’s also sometimes YES, and I always love to hear why – we are all so different).
With all of this milling
about in my brain I was listening to a podcast that often ends in the question “What
advice would you give your 20 year old self?” Now … I’ve spent HOURS listening to episodes
from this specific podcast .. and I’ve never actually thought about how I’d
answer this question.. So as I thought about it .. I sent out a few texts to a
few people who are near and dear to me…
As the answers started rolling in I was SO amazed. I was sometimes brought to tears, sometimes laughed out loud, sometimes I could totally relate. Sometimes I could totally not. I was so overwhelmed with the variety of responses and how knowing the people sending them I was sooo like “YESSSS” of course – you rock. To every single one – every one was so honest – and so willing to share – and those are the connections I love. I sent out the question to a few more people, and then a few more after that….
As the answers started rolling in I was SO amazed. I was sometimes brought to tears, sometimes laughed out loud, sometimes I could totally relate. Sometimes I could totally not. I was so overwhelmed with the variety of responses and how knowing the people sending them I was sooo like “YESSSS” of course – you rock. To every single one – every one was so honest – and so willing to share – and those are the connections I love. I sent out the question to a few more people, and then a few more after that….
So (without anyone’s
permission – SUE ME – I know) I thought I’d share.. (no names attached). First of all thank you for sharing with me. Second of all. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world.
What advice would you give your 20 year old self?
Don’t forget to breathe. Everything you’ve ever
wanted is on the other side of fear!
I thought about it. I think my advice would be to just tell little me
to relax and let life just take me places instead of fighting things all the
time
The love you have for yourself and the value you have for yourself is
worth far more than the love or value others give you
Whoa 20 year old me...well....to trust I was in the right place. Talk
to the people I needed to and that communication is important to nurture
relationships. Not use money to fill a void. Go see someone to help me be
financially responsible. And also go out of my comfort zone more.
Hmmm well that’s a tough one. I love my life right now and my fam jam
and my amazing life we have created. But I wish I didn’t turn down
opportunities that arose with friends. I wish I was a bit more confident in
some decisions in my life. And I wish I would have travelled a tiny bit!
Stop looking for the next best thing and enjoy the moments as they
come. Everything that you need will find you. Stay grateful, stay positive.
These stressors you feel are only a blink in the grand scheme of things.
Try not to dwell. Try looking ahead.
Slow down, savour every single minute and trust your (my) gut; you’ve
got this, Girl 💗
Ummm... just be you. Listen to your heart and do what makes you happy.
Don’t worry about what others think of you and live a life from your heart and
you deserve to be happy ♥️♥️♥️
Get a good job. Live in your parent’s house. Save for a down payment.
Buy a house. Then go back to school and rent out the house until you need
it.
I don’t think I’d give my 20 year old self any advice. Perhaps drink
more water.
Get a job in film, would have saved me years of shit. No, actually
nothing, I’m happy enough maybe stop smoking.
Rock your body
You’re worth more than you think
Live it up more in university
Buy apple stocks and hold it. No matter what.
Save more money, houses are expensive.
Oh good question......hmmmm I wish I would have travelled more, cared
less about what people thought and have been more picky with men
Don’t put up with complete bullshit people. I’ve dealt with more than
my fair share
The love you have for yourself and the value you have for yourself is
worth far more than the love or value others give you
Lots! - be yourself - don’t do it just cause
everyone else is - whatever you focus on expands - have
confidence - no one notices your skin like you think they do
One would be to not let other people’s opinion of me
dictate what type of work or school to pursue. And another would be, be more
aware of what you spend money on and to invest in property earlier. Less
spending money on booze and stupid shit but spending it in more quality life
changing things. And prob travel more as it gets harder to make the time when
life happens
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Relax and always say yes to traveling and live music
Relax and always say yes to traveling and live music
Mhmm, probably live a life and do the things you want and not worry so
much about what others and society thinks.
Take no shit from anyone
Speak up! don’t be so afraid of upsetting people, listen to your body and
trust your intuition, step out of your comfort zone.
Don’t go into medicine
I go back and forth. Either nothing – because I am
scared it would change the chain of how my life went. Or if I knew I’d still be
where I am today, with the same experiences.. I’d say “live with intention. It takes
hard work and vulnerability to really get to know and accept yourself. Every
path you take leads you to the next chapter in life”.
My hope was that people would take their own
advice and if they aren’t already living it – would take it into consideration
now.
What I took away is – people are SO happy with where they’re at and I love that – so much (like light heart happy love that). I also took away from this – communication. Don’t worry about what other people think. YOU ARE VALUABLE AND WORTHY. Breathe.
We are ALL so unbelievably diverse so at the end of the day – if you go to sleep knowing you’re living your truth … power to you. You are doing life right
What I took away is – people are SO happy with where they’re at and I love that – so much (like light heart happy love that). I also took away from this – communication. Don’t worry about what other people think. YOU ARE VALUABLE AND WORTHY. Breathe.
We are ALL so unbelievably diverse so at the end of the day – if you go to sleep knowing you’re living your truth … power to you. You are doing life right
