As I've heard before, getting older does have its privileges. One of those privileges would be the lessons learned along the way. Experience is a great teacher to shape us into more thoughtful, mature individuals. Although I can't say I've let go of all of my childish notions just yet, I am a work in progress. Here's a few things I've discovered now that my 20 year old self would not have thought twice about. Thankfully I have grown up in some ways even if I didn't even notice it was happening at the time.
... Never come empty handed when you're invited to someone's house. Regardless of the occasion, a gift, no matter how big or small, is a way of telling your host you appreciate them sharing their time & home with you.
... When someone gives you a compliment, say "Thank You" and make eye contact when doing so. Someone took the time (and often the guts) to point out something special about you. Acknowledging it instead of shrugging it off is the best way to show your appreciation. My younger self was embarrassed by compliments. I am learning how to accept them with grace and being comfortable in the confidence of myself & my abilities.
... Solitude is not a weakness. It is a strength. Learning how to be content hanging out with yourself is important. After all, you're going to be stuck with you for awhile. You might as well get to know yourself.
... Your wardrobe & style should grow with you. While not all of us are blessed with knowing how to wear the latest trends, this could be a blessing in disguise! Learn how to wear the appropriate attire for the appropriate occasion. No, flip flops are not acceptable for a job interview. Ladies, jeans that ride low enough for your thong to poke out are no longer sexy over the age of...well, never. Gentlemen, there is only one correct way to wear a ball cap & that's facing forward the way they were designed.
... You won't be any less cool if you choose to go home instead of to the
"after party" after you've certainly already had enough to drink. My mother used to say, "There ain't nothing good that happens are midnight." The older I get, the more I see how right she is! I've coined the reminder term, "Cinderella curfew" in order to tame that little party girl that lives instead me. All that being said, I do believe every once is awhile it is perfectly acceptable to stay up way past midnight but only under these conditions. You should be sitting on the back of a tailgate around a bonfire with your friends sharing sips of moonshine and listening to old country music.
... Don't be afraid to take control of your life. I let being young be an excuse for not reaching my potential. I worked a job that allowed me to sleep all day, work 8 hours for a paycheck, go out partying, and then do it all over again the next day. The year I turned 30, I woke up one afternoon, went to work, & put in my 2 weeks notice. Sometimes being unhappy in a job takes enough toil to inspire us to make a change. Change really is good & often needed in our lives to keep us sane!
....................I feel like this is a list that can continue to grow, but I couldn't resist going ahead & posting what I've got so far since it's been so long since I've posted anything. Feel free to share your comments below with your own pearls of wisdom!
No comments:
Post a Comment