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Things I'd Tell My 20 Year Old Self

I'm totally recycling this idea from another blogger, because I feel like we've all had those reflective moments in life where we wish we had known what we know now. It's called life experience and the 20 year old me had just barely begun. I would've been halfway through college and didn't have any true responsibilities just yet. As long as I maintained that GPA, remembered my dance choreography and made it to my waitressing shifts on time, I was golden. 

Sometimes I think to myself "boy oh boy did I take those days for granted." Sometimes adult life can really slap you in the face. I've definitely had my share of that. At the same time, I always pull through. I'm stronger than I realized I could ever be at age 20. If I could go back and (in the words of Brad Paisley's song) "write a letter to me," there are some key things I'd tell that girl. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Travel and see as much of the world as you can. You won't be able to once "real life" happens for a long time.
2. Girl....get up and exercise on a regular basis. Your body and your mind will thank you later. 
3. Your friends will drastically change in your 20's. You will find out who your true, lifelong friends are. It will feel like your world is crashing down at times, but you will have the most amazing little circle that you can call for anything! Embrace the change. 
4. Social media may seem minuscule right now with "The Facebook" and MySpace, but guess what! You are going to make a career out of it. 
5. Talk to Dad. Twins run heavily in his side of the family. This will save you from the shock of your life later! 
6. Don't date that one dude and the next one for the matter. 
7. You are so much stronger than you realize. It's deep within. Find her sooner.
8. Some of those outfit choices though. Let's rethink those.
9. There will always be those women who try to drag you down and say mean things out of pure jealousy, especially the more you better yourself. That unfortunately doesn't change with age. Use that to fuel your fire. 
10. You will start at the bottom, but keep on climbing, because your career path will take amazing twists and turns with each one being a stair step of professional growth. 

I could actually go on and on and ON. I'm approaching yet another birthday (groan). This last year has been one full of growth, both personally and professionally. I wish that 20 year old girl would have known the new me as I approach 32. I decided to continue into my 30's with my very best foot forward, physically, mentally and with the confidence to smash the obstacles that cross my path. Step aside haters. Coming through! 

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