5 Things I wish I knew 5 Years Ago

As I write this post, I am thirty minutes away from turning 30 years old. I'm entering a new phase of life, and looking back and doing some final reflecting before I jump with both feet into my thirties! I wanted to make a list for my 25 year old self. Things that I wish I would have known five years ago if I would have had the wisdom I have now. If you're in the middle of your twenties right now, you may find my list helpful!

1. You think you know it all. You don't. I have gone through more in the past 5 years than I could have ever imagined. You need to go through the disappointments, the heartache, the job loss, etc. to learn more about the world. Luckily, we grew up during an amazing time. There was no internet, simple television after school, and creative play. As we grow up, we learn that life isn't perfect, but the difficult times in your twenties will set you up to be wiser in your thirties.

2. Trust your gut. It's right. So many times I ignored this. If you're in a relationship that just doesn't feel right, GET OUT NOW. I don't care how much time you've invested, how many of your friends are getting married, how behind in life you'll feel. Don't spend your time with the wrong man. If you aren't happy with someone, be happy without someone. Make yourself happy first. I promise you WILL meet someone new...and someone better for you. So unload the guy who doesn't make you the happiest woman in the world and free yourself up so you can find the guy who can!

3. Stop thinking you're getting old, running out of time, and need to get married because everyone else on Facebook is. Facebook is every girls enemy. If you get a pit in your stomach every time you see another gushing girl's new engagement ring, you have two choices. A.) unfollow their news feed. B.) take a break from Facebook entirely. You have to understand that you are not behind. In fact, you are a smart girl for being careful about who you're getting involved with. Marriage is a serious thing. Of course, every girl has a vision of the white dress and the beautiful flowers, but along with the fairy tale comes a life long commitment. Before you rush to the altar, make sure that the man you want to marry is the right man. Neither one of you should have doubts. If there are doubts, refer to #2.

4. Enjoy this time of your life. I know everyone including Aunt Sue and your long lost cousin Joe tells you that these are "the best years of your life." (Not for anything, people are telling me that now, too.) Aunt Sue and Uncle Joe are actually right. Your twenties are the times where you can have fun without complete adult responsibilities. You're settled in a job, most likely college educated and figuring out what you want out of life. Enjoy late nights out with friends, quiet time with your significant other, shopping by yourself, and seeing the world. Take it all in. The only person you have to worry about is you. You have plenty of time for everything else. Right now is your chance to do you.

5. Learn about the world and make your own opinions. The best part about not having tons of adult responsibilities is that you can explore the world. Travel and experience new places. Take a road trip at the drop of a hat. Hop on a flight to Europe and explore countries that inspire you. Don't let anyone keep you from enjoying your life. Know that some people who claim to be your friends are more like your enemies. Learn about yourself, what you like and what you don't. Make life choices based on what your heart wants, not what anyone else tells you to do.

I truly wish I knew these five points five years ago. Time goes by in a flash. Live every day, love every moment. Take pictures and make memories, but please know you are right where you are supposed to be on this journey called life. Throw your plans away and live life. I promise you, it's all going to work out just the way it should, and you can smile on the eve of your thirtieth birthday, because you know more about yourself on that night than you did just ten years ago...and you won't be able to sleep because you can't wait to see what life has in store for you next.

Goodnight, world. :) xo