I’m Turning 30 — Here Are 5 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self
I’m just a few days away from entering my 30s, which seems like as good a time as any to impart some hard-won wisdom to my younger self. I have by no means mastered the art of life, but all the experiences I’ve had, both good and bad, have undoubtedly shaped me into who I am now. As I anxiously await this new decade, I realize there are certain pieces of advice I wish someone had passed along in my teens and 20s. Looking back, they probably did and I just didn’t listen…but let’s pretend that’s not the case.
1. Literally no one cares about what you did or said.
This is a harsh realization that’s loaded with truth. Back in high school, college, and even my early 20s, I was so caught up in the weird shit that I might have done or said that I’d legitimately lose sleep over it. As my mom and grandpa would say, no one is thinking about you as much as you. Let go and move on (I’m still learning to do this, btw).
2. Everyone’s career paths look entirely different.
If I could go back and shake my post-college self over this, I would. As an English and Art major, I felt like I had a less clear trajectory when it came to work while many of my friends landed prestigious jobs right after graduation. It all worked out for me, even if it was less profitable at first, so shut up and just trust the process, okay?
3. Medication doesn’t have to be scary.
In fact, it might even change your life. As someone who’s particularly well-versed in alternative medicine, turning to conventional medicine was a tough pill to swallow (pun intended) — which, surprise surprise, made my anxiety worse. But if I could sit my younger self down right now, I’d tell her there really is a gold pot on the other side of the rainbow, you might just need a little help to get there.
4. Have fun and don’t feel bad about it.
In retrospect, I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself when it came to letting loose in my early 20s. In fact, I actually wish my younger self knew how important this chapter was in my life. I made countless forever friends and have hilarious memories to look back on. Oddly enough (and young Kelly would probably never believe this), all those tearful, anxious, hungover Sundays were worth it.
5. Friends are the f*cking best.
Piggy-backing on the last one, friends are truly one of the greatest joys in this life. I’ve never taken my friends for granted, but if I could go back and just reaffirm how important they are to my younger self, I would. Say yes to all the girls’ nights, hop on a plane for any important event, and always remember that without them, you probably wouldn’t be you.
