Dear 20 year old self.....

I turned 40 in October.  

This last year has been filled with incredible happiness and heart breaking sadness. 

Last week I got to thinking what I, as a 40 year old (half grown up), would tell my 20 year old self (young child who thinks she knows it all).  I have done a lot of stupid things over the years.  I've also done some good things.  I started wondering if I could change anything, would I?  Probably not.  Although I've done things that aren't so good, I've learned from them and it has made me who I am today - a flawed genuine person.  

So I made a list of the 20 things I would tell my 20 year old self:  

1.  You will eventually like coffee.  A lot.  

2.  You will eventually like beer.  A lot (P.S. it tastes better than Zima)

3.  They won't ever like you. And that's ok.  

4.  Drink more water.

5.  Stop trying to make the future happen.  Enjoy the moment you are in.

6.  Be who you are.  Those who like you, will.  Those who don't, won't.  

7.  What other people think of you is none of your business.  

8.  Floss your teeth.  Every single night.

9.  Appreciate your body and stop being so critical. 

10.  Study abroad.  You'll never get the chance again.  

11.  Respect yourself.   

12.  Call your mother and father. 

13.  Investigate issues before stating your opinion.  

14.  Remember everyone has their own story and their own struggle.  Show grace.  

15.  Stop talking and listen.  

16.  Eat all the McDonald's french fries you want.  In 20 years they won't taste as good and they will give you gut rot.  For real.  

17.  You cannot save the world.  You cannot change anyone's situation but your own.  

18.  You have done and will do stupid things.  Say you're sorry, forgive yourself, learn and move on.  

19.  Don't take one single second of this life you have been blessed with for granted.  It can all change in an instant.  

20.  Enjoy the ride!  You will be happier than you ever imagined and you will cry harder than you ever thought possible.  Love every second, every breath, every giggle, every hug.   

Whew!

The list is kind of irrelevant.  I wouldn't have listened to my 40 year old self anyways because I thought I knew it all!  

Reminds me a little of this:  

I can't wait to see what I know when I turn 60!!  I will have a 30 year old then (crazy!!).