Today is my 28th birthday.  I’ve had mixed feelings about today, but regardless  birthdays always allow me a chance to look back and see where I have come from.

I have come so far in the last 10 years. I look back at the 18 year old me, and I really see a completely different person.

In honor of my birthday (since I obviously can’t go and run 28 miles to celebrate) I thought I’d take a look back and talk about things I would tell my 18 year old self.

 

Let it Go

I am a high stress person. I let everything and anything bother me.  I have gotten substantially better at it over the past 10 years, but it still needs work.

Let It Go

If I could go back I would tell myself to let things go. Breathe. Take life as it comes and don’t stress about everything way too far in advance.

 

Don’t Waste Your Tears

Going along with the stress I’ve always been over emotional.  It’s gotten better as I’ve gotten older, but without a doubt I would go back and tell myself to not waste my tears on people or things that don’t matter.

 

Hold Your Head Up High

I would tell myself to hold my head up high.  We are all worthy of so much and I would tell my 18 year old self to be proud of the person that you are.

Being young we often don’t realize how strong we are.

 

Make the Most of Every Day

The time passes so fast. I can’t believe that I am already 10 years out from my high school graduation and 6 years since college.

Birthday1

Sit back and enjoy every single day. The time will be gone before you know it and you’ll be an adult. We all know how much fun that is! HA!

 

Get Active

I didn’t really get into running until I was almost out of college. I would encourage myself to get active early. To get involved with others and to not wait on the sidelines.

 

Go After Your Dreams

I have only really started listening to this advice in the last 6-7 months, but I would without a doubt say to go after your dreams no matter how far out they may seem. How often do we talk about something and it never happens? I know I have many times over the years.

Go after what you want. Don’t worry about how long it will take to get there, how much work it will take or if it will even ever happen. Just go and get it!

 

You Are Beautiful

Let’s face it. I think every 18 year old girl needs to hear this.

 

Family Will Always Come First

I have always followed this, but I would take the chance to remind myself.  Even when you get frustrated with each other they are still the most important people in your life.

Family

They are your fan club, your support system, your critics and at the end of the day they are what matters.

 

Skip Your “Blonde” Phase

Save your hair. Skip the urge to dye your hair blonde in a few years. Just do it.

Blonde Phase

Embrace your brunette self.

 

A Few Close Friends are Better Than Many

10 years ago I wanted to please everyone. I didn’t want to make anyone upset and was trying to focus on pleasing too many.

A few friends will beat 20 so-so friends any day. Keep those few close and the others don’t matter.

 

I’m sure if I sat here long enough I could come up with many more. I’m proud of where I have come from. Of the woman that I’ve become, and I look forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring.

I’m blessed in so many ways and no matter what I am thankful for this life I was given!

 

What would you tell yourself 10 years ago?

How do you celebrate birthdays?

 

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