My 20 year old self...

As 30 is becoming more of a reality it's hard not to think about where you are, where you've been, and the thoughts you had over your 20's. Some thoughts were true, some ridiculous and some were flat out wrong. If I had to tell my 20 year old self the most important things I've learned to date, here's what I'd say...

one | The most obvious.... you are beautiful! Stop hating yourself. Stop scrutinizing every little thing. Stop obsessing over the scale. It doesn't get much better than now. And for the love of god, please stop comparing yourself. You will learn one day that comparison is the thief of all joys, and it's true.

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two | 21 isn't as cracked up as it's made out to be. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on every seasonal beer I've drank and every bottle of red wine I've finished. But, if I knew that 20 pounds would come along with finally being able to order a dirty martini I would have entered 21 with less abandonment. 

three | Just because you graduate from an accredited university does not mean you will find or receive the perfect job. For a while. It will take several ridiculous loops and turns before you finally land on something that makes your heart tick. And at 30, you may still be searching for that something special. On that note, take an internship or go somewhere. Just because spending a summer making money and waiting tables seems like a great idea, an experience in life will get you much farther.

four | Stop chasing that boy. He will never be your husband or anyone that will love you like you want or need to be. Spend more time loving yourself and investing in your well being.

five | Stop spending money on worthless, meaningless junk. Take that money and learn something. Learn to garden. Learn to cook. If you want trendy clothes, learn to make them! Spend money on a hobby. Find a friend and go somewhere. Most of all, stop filling up your closet or thimble size apartment with things that mean nothing.

six | Do not be afraid to speak up. Especially at the hair salon! It will save you several weeks of dreadful hair styling. Joking aside, be confident in who you are and what you believe.  

seven | Stop looking to the future because time will pass you by while everyone else is living in the moment. Have fun, enjoy your time, live for where you are. Take pictures, make memories. Stop planning ahead or trying to achieve "what should be" by a certain time. Your time will happen when God decides it's time. 

eight | One day you will learn that being burnt as a lobster isn't cool or fun. Wear sunscreen. Being pale and white is much hotter than being a miserable, scaly, peeling burnt mess. And I'm talking 30 SPF+. I know you think you'll need 15 because you're young and cute, but you're wrong.

nine | Every cliche you've ever heard from your parents is absolutely 100% true. Whether you want to believe it or not. You will not be an anomaly. Trust me. As much as you try and fight the cliche, it will always win!

ten | Stop biting your nails. Keep them polished. Invest in a quality hair brush. Learn how to give yourself a good blow out. Stop wearing clothes that are ill fitting. Invest in good shoes. Find a skincare regimen. And finally, love yourself and live your life unapologetically.