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What I Wish Younger Me Knew

Hold on...life gets better!

By Alison OelfkePublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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there's light at the end of the tunnel

I'm 22 and a few months into my first 'adult' job. Throughout these past few months I've been looking back quite a bit. So here is a compilation of things I wish I could go back and tell my younger self:

1. Sometimes life sucks.

You know when your life feels like you're walking through mud instead of water? Yeah, sometimes that feeling doesn't end as soon as you'd like it to. Sometimes you go to bed upset, and wake up to find out you still feel the same way. Like, what is that? Really, it sucks, but it's also completely normal. We all have ups and downs, and that's just the way life works.

2. You can't please everybody.

Being nice is not a bad thing, but being too nice can hurt you in the long run. Trying to please everyone is a tiring effort with sometimes little return. Take care of yourself, and make sure that you're doing right by you. Not everyone is going to like the choices you make, but as long as you believe in your heart it's the best option, brush off the rest.

3. Only worry about things you can control/change.

I've struggled with this all my life. There's no sense in worrying about the things you have no control over. Instead, worry about things that you can change for the better. Taking this a step further, don't bother worrying about how other people act/ react. Instead, only worry about what your actions are.

4. Don't be afraid to fall in love.

Broken hearts are not fun, but I remain hopeful. There's going to be plenty of broken hearts in your life, but each one also gives you important lessons, new life experiences, and new goals for the future. So don't let a stupid boy ruin your chance of finding happiness. First be happy on your own, recognize what makes you happy, and then find someone who truly cares about you and encourages that happiness. THEN, don't be afraid to fall. If they aren't willing to catch you, they aren't worth your time. And if they do catch you, you'll know that this time is different.

5. There's only so much time in the day.

You like to pretend that you can do everything all the time, but the truth is you can't. The truth is you try so hard but all you're doing 100% is wearing yourself out. So stop for a second, take a breath, figure out what is truly important for you to keep doing and what's unnecessary stress, and then make some time to take care of YOU! You are a badass lady, and there should be time in the day to relax and bask in the glory of your awesomeness.

6. The "Freshman 15" is real and lasts longer then freshman year if your habits don't change afterwards.

I'm still learning this as I've been struggling with my weight since about half way through college, but this year was the first year I've taken control and done something about it. My advice to my younger self is START SOONER DANG IT! Don't think that for the rest of your life you can eat whatever you want, sit on your butt all day, and stay a twig. It's not realistic, and the girls that are that blessed are still not healthy. Just because someone is thin does not mean they have healthy habits, so feel accomplished when you do have healthy habits regardless of what your body shows you.

7. Netflix and Hulu will still be there in the morning...GO TO SLEEP!

My mom actually needed to remind me of this the other night, and it is so true. Netflix and Hulu are two prime examples, but many things will be there when you wake up in the morning. You have three projects at work to finish before Monday? It's only Thursday, so go home. You are binging on Catfish on Hulu and there's only two episodes left? It's not going anywhere, go to sleep. Moral of the story (again) is take care of you. You may need more sleep than the average person, but trust me when I say your body hates you when you make it stay up until 3 AM and then wake up at 6.

8. Make time for people who care about you.

In the midst of your overwhelming schedule and your undeniable want to stay curled up in your bed and hide, don't be afraid to reach out to your friends and family. Don't be afraid to tell them you're feeling bad or that you need them to hang out so you feel less alone for a while. True friends will be there for you through thick and thin, and they will be willing to do whatever you need until you're feeling like yourself again. This support will help you when you're feeling weak and lift you even higher when you're feeling stronger than ever.

9. BREATHE.

This one is kind of self explanatory (or at least it should be). It's so easy to get caught up in all the things you have to do today, how you're never going to get everything done, or how everyone wants more than you can give, but it's also important to stop and take a breath every once in a while. Step away from what you're doing, clear your head, and focus on what's real. Ground yourself by focusing on the things around you, think about a 'happy place,' focus on your breathing, and remember it'll all be okay.

10. It gets better.

While you're stressing about how to get through high school when your world seems like it's falling apart, how to get through college when you feel like there's no end in sight, just know that it will get better soon. Life has its ups and downs, but your up is coming so hold out a little longer for it!

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About the Creator

Alison Oelfke

Freshly out of college and freshly attempting to adult. Long time perfectionist, dancer, people pleaser, crafter, and newfound hobby writer.

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