Loving Advice to the Past, Present, and Future Me

Hi everyone!

Pretty soon (as in just one week) I'll be packing up to start another year of college. It's hard to believe that this time last year I was about to embark on one of my biggest journeys to date--freshmen year. 

Reflecting on this has made me look back and realize that I wish I could give my past self some advice. In fact, not only did I want my past self to be able to read this post, but for the present and future me to listen up, too! However, because I spend all my free time catching up on Gilmore girls and not building a time machine, I suppose I'll never get to travel back in time and tell the old Sarah all of my new-found wisdom. Still, I wanted to share with you the advice I've been collecting and reflecting upon. Hopefully it can bring you something of value, regardless of your own age.

Dear Sarah,

read this and actually pay attention.

Love,

Sarah

You have to be your own biggest cheerleader, not your own worst enemy

One day you really will get tired on waking up and being so mean to yourself. You only have one body and soul, so be nice to them and take care of yourself. Shower, smile, and be positive. Above all, do not rely on others for your happiness--cultivate it from within. 

Take time to build your relationship with God, he's there even when you don't think he is

Thank him, praise him, and know him. And get your butt to church because most weeks it's the only blessing that will get you through. 

Cherish the time you have with family

Call your parents and siblings. Little brothers can go from unbearable to extremely adorable and worthy of being missed when you've been away from home for a few months. Oh, and Mom's advice? Just as valuable when you're crying on the phone to her three hours away in a cramped dorm room.

Bad Chinese takeout still beats a bad boy any day
Seriously girl, get it together! You can't change him or his crappy habits. Kick him to the curb, call up the delivery guy, and go watch Netflix. 

You can't change people
Did I already mention this one? Well you seem to of had some trouble with this one in the past. Listen this time! Work on you and only you.

Breathe
I've heard it can significantly lower heart rate and stress. You should try it sometime. Not everything is in your control. Heck, most things aren't! And that's okay!!

Travel: Dream it, plan it, book the flight!
Don't let classrooms get in the way of your education--your best lessons come from jumping headfirst into something or somewhere new.

Remember that not everyone was raised the way you were
I know, shocker! It takes all sorts of people to make the world go round. Take everything in and learn from others. Be humble and gracious to learn new ways of life.

It's okay to say no 
Be open to new experiences, but know your boundaries. Do what is right for you!

Tell others you're thankful for them
Seriously, how hard is it to pick up the phone and tell somebody what they mean to you? Better yet, do it face to face and throw in a hug or something!

Don't take yourself seriously
Be goofy, admit your mistakes, and take everything with a grain of salt.  

Always write, keep your pen handy
Because one day you'll really kick yourself for not jotting down all of those witty comebacks you thought of in the shower or the description of the way the world felt after a thunderstorm passed. But really, writing is extremely important and therapeutic for you, Sarah. Make time for it.

Start and end every single day with a smile
Give yourself the chance to be happy any and every moment that you possibly can.



So there you have it, my (very rambly) advice to myself. I hope you all enjoyed the peak inside my brain. I'll be back very soon with another post.


Take care,

Sarah x