Dear older me,
College was a tumultuous time that shaped who you are as an individual. Remember to look back on these life-long lessons because they will carry you through life. While you're never done learning, these are the foundations you've learned to carry you through no matter what life throws your way.
1. Believe in yourself and what you stand for
Being true to yourself will always shine through in everything you do.
2. Know your worth
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise because you have only yourself to carry you through life.
3. Don't be afraid to take risks
4. Handle conflict in healthy ways
Learn this valuable skill and let go of superficial feelings of ill-will because they don't get you anywhere.
5. Be open to advice
Be open to the advice people give you because you don't have all the answers.
6. Be open to criticism
Take other people's criticisms as a chance to better yourself and reflect on the person you want to be.
7. Your happiness is the most important thing in life
It's OK to be selfish and put yourself first for your own happiness.
8. Explore any and all interests you have
Life is short and you never know what creative endeavor you might embark upon.
9. Don't let other people's opinions stand in your way
Don't allow your perception of what others think of you stand in the way of doing what you want to do, because their perceptions are not important.
10. Be weird
Show people your weird side because life is too short for normal.
12. Let go of toxic people
Don't be afraid to let go of friendships if that's what you need, because toxic people won't help you out in life
13. You can't please everyone
Don't base your decisions on other people's acceptance of them.
14. Be selfish
At the end of the day, you are the only person you can rely on.
15. Be vulnerable
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Those who love you will stick around, and those are your true friends.
16. Appreciate what you have in the present
Don't always think about the future because the present is fleeting so appreciate what you have right now.
17. Make sure people know you love them
Life is short so be sure to let the people close to you know you love them.
18. Keep learning
Keep learning about the world and other people because you never know what you might learn.
19. Don't apologize when you're not in the wrong
Choose your words carefully because they have the power to shape your world-view.
20. It'll all work out in the end
Remember, you'll eventually figure it all out because you're still learning and improving upon the person you were at the end of your college career.
I hope you look back on college as a formative time in your life and see the importance of all these lessons you've learned. Life didn't get easier after college, but these have stuck in your mind to help guide you through the rest of your life.
