Me, half my lifetime ago.
We were at breakfast downtown on Saturday and a young woman walked inside the restaurant. I did a double-take. She looked just like me at twenty-five: pale, almond shaped eyes, tons of dark wavy hair. It was strange. I whispered to Mr. Rosenberg, "Oh my God." "I know!" he said. "Anything you want to tell her?" "What would I say? 'Hello stranger have a look - I'm you at fifty!'"
Her face has been in my head since then. What would I tell her, the younger me? Just these twenty-one things.
1. Forgiveness is the most important thing you can learn. Get good at it. Forgiveness will bring you the highest return on your investment. It will set you free.
2. Acceptance is a close second. You will not get taller. He will not suddenly be good with money. She will always be sort of messy.
3. Call your mom.
4. Don't stop yourself from doing something you're interested in just because it will take too much time. Time will pass anyway. Do that thing. You know the one.
5. Learn how to be a good friend. Your friends will save you. Keep those folks close.
6. Splurge on the good bath towels.
7. Time is precious, but don't get in a hurry.
8. The most important qualities when searching for an apartment are "Pets okay," and "Private parking included." Dishwashers are overrated. I stand by this.
9. Be independent but don't forget how to be vulnerable.
10. Do not waste your time longing for life to be different. Change it. It's never too late.
11. Your car doesn't have to be fancy or cool. It has to drive. It's no fun looking cool, broken down on the side of the freeway. Also - know how to drive a stick shift.
12. Do not settle when it comes to your love relationships. Pick the friendly, smart, and funny guy or gal who loves you. If you make any of these qualities negotiable, you are settling. Also, you should love the way they smell.
13. There are many different paths to your dream job but they should all begin at the bottom. There are nothing but good reasons for this.
14. Accept gifts and compliments graciously.
15. Keep a journal.
16. Volunteer. This will make you a happier person.
17. If you celebrate Christmas, get yourself a Christmas tree. Even if you live alone. Especially if you live alone.
18. That saying that God only has three answers - Yes, not now, or I have something better planned for you is the truest thing. Remember this when you are rejected.
19. When you move, most of your boxes should be filled with books.
20. Drink your coffee outside as often as possible.
21. Don't cut bangs. Ever. Not with that wavy hair of yours. Don't kid yourself.
Great picture (Lauren Bacall!) and excellent list!
ReplyDeleteThank you! xo
DeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! xo
DeleteBeautiful now and then...plus excellent advice (except the bangs, I love bangs ;) )
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile.
Thank you! My bangs always stuck straight out! xo
DeleteAH! I love this so very much! Sharing on FB!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becky! xoxo
Delete#18 will take anyone a long way
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
DeleteThe only thing I would add to your list is "Learn to keep a secret if it's entrusted to you."
DeleteGood one, Suzy. xo
DeleteFabulous - as always!
ReplyDeleteXO
A.
Thanks, Anna! xoxo
DeleteThis is a wonderful list! Especially that part about not waiting to do that thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh Ann. xoxo
DeleteLove this. Such great advice. Especially #12.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. Xoxo
DeleteLove this! #4 is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin. Xoxo
DeleteI love everything about this, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. xoxo
DeleteI smiled while reading this entire list. Don't you kinda wish you could go back and give it to her? :) Thank you...
ReplyDeleteTotally. xoxo
DeleteI love #13 especially.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shari. xoxo
DeleteYou are so wise...#4 is on my fridge for my son to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
Wonderful! xoxo
DeleteBeautiful you, at 25 and 50. Print that list out and carry it with you, so you have it when you see her again. x0 N2
ReplyDeleteLove that idea. xoxo
DeleteThe list still works for me ..
ReplyDeletea male that is twice your age ...
Love, hugs and blessings ...ME and the Boss
xoxoxo
DeleteThis is my favorite thing I've read this week. Oh, what I would like to say to my 21-year-old self. Like, "Hug your best friend. She won't be here forever."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wise words, always.
Thanks, Missy. xoxo
Delete"Yes, not now, or I have something better planned for you is the truest thing. Remember this when you are rejected."
ReplyDeleteI just got turned down for a job opportunity that originally seemed like a set thing. I needed to read this today. Thank you!