My Mimi as I call her, has always been that family member I've always connected with. I can never get enough of her outgoing attitude or her crazy stories of her youth. Mimi would tell me about all these crazy times in the 50s' when she would go to drive-ins with guys, or when she snuck down to my grandfather's beach house when her parents thought she was at her friend Mary's place. These little memories she would tell were hilarious, but they always came with a meaning. As I am coming to a unique stage in life, I find these pieces of advice more and more valuable.
Look like you know what your doing.
If you are like myself, coming up to graduation and starting the career process, chances are you have no clue even which way is up. My grandmother told me when she graduated she interviewed for a job that she didn't even know the title. She bought a new dress, smiled, and acted confident. Even though inside you are more than lost, do the best you can and look the part.
Don't be afraid to talk and meet people
This is a hard one. Sometimes meeting people is very challenging, and can be nerve racking. Mimi has a ton of friends from all over. She just is always open to introduce herself and have a conversation. The lesson is that it really can't hurt to introduce yourself. Who knows? You never know who you might meet.
Have a party!
Sounds good to me! My grandmother loved nothing more than hosting a good party. She held an annual St. Patrick's day up into her mid 80s! The truth is, as you get older you might "party" differently. Friends change and of course energy changes, its getting everybody together and just having a good time. Life gets crazy, gather your friends, maybe a few drinks, and throw a party!
You are gonna kiss a lot of frogs...unfortunately
I remember when I was younger and I had gone through a crappy breakup, my grandmother called. "Life's gonna give ya a lot of frogs. It's not good or bad. It just is. Sorry love he won't be the last! But don't worry you will be OK." Very simple and probably over said, but oh so very true!
Sometimes people are afraid of a strong woman. DO NOT LET IT STOP YOU!!!!
Mimi doesn't even know who Beyonce is and they share so much. Be you and don't stop for absolutely nothing. Stand your ground you got this.
Learn as much as you can
Mimi is an avid reader, and at one point an avid traveler. She went to college for so long that her dad pulled her out! She loved learning about art, history, and writing. If you keep your mind open, it allows it to take in so much and in the end makes you a more educated individual.
You're not perfect. It's okay no one is.
One of my most admired aspects about my grandmother is she never pretended to be perfect. I remember looking at her grades from art school, a whole bunch of B's. She just shrugged. Try your best, don't worry about perfection.
Have fun.
When asked about getting married than most for her decade she said, "Oh honey, I wasn't done having fun" with a wink. It will all work out, focus on having a good time before adult stuff happens.
Mimi once told me a great story about when she was in her late teens. Her and her friend stole their neighbors canoe late at night and canoed over to the all boys camp across the lake. Armed with a lantern and a bottle of wine, they snuck onto the camp grounds. Now I don't get to hear the rest of this story but I think you can figure it out. Anyway! Hopefully you take some of these little lessons. Throw a party! Kiss frogs (not real frogs)! And just have a good time.
