In light of recent events that have triggered either a pat on my own back or kicking myself, I was inspired to create a list of things that future Briana will thank present Briana for. I hope this helps your future self, life can be rough when you're not prepared.
1. Keep the Napkins, seriously.
When you go through that Starbucks drive through or if you're blessed enough to stumble upon a Checkers, they will, for some odd reason, give you an obscene amount of napkins. Either that or too few napkins, but that's not the point. Either way, do your future self a favor and put the napkins in your glove box. When you spill that Venti Coffee you'll be thanking yourself, trust me.
2. Wear the sunscreen
Coming from an unfortunately pale person, one might think this just to be advice for my fellow pale people. It's not. Sun means wrinkles and wrinkles mean an ungodly amount of money your future self will spend in products to help salvage the young skin you still have. Do yourself a favor and smear the banana boat on or wear a cover-up, you don't look weird, it's trendy!
3. Find a safe place that is not your house
This is important because I find that when I go home and I am upset I tend to just wallow in those unhealthy feelings with a big tub of ice cream. A safe place should be a place that's out in the world, secluded or not, where you can run to. This safe place should bring positive feelings rather than allowing you to just soak in sadness or anxiety. My safe place is driving in my car, it provides me with constant stimuli and helps my problems fade in the rear-view.
4. Save 20% of all of the money that you make
Whether its just a venmo from a friend or your bi-weekly pay check, save save save. Saving 20% of every penny that you earn is just like tipping yourself. Think about it, you tip the waiter 20% of the bill (hopefully).
5. Invest in a good pair of sneakers
I know that it is weird to think about the health and well-being of your feet but ask any elderly or middle aged person, their feet are always hurting. This can easily be prevented by investing in a solid pair of sneakers that take all of the pressure off your toes AND off your knees. When you're older, it is essential to be able to have movement in your knee joints as well as the ability to walk without your feet hurting. All of this starts with prevention and simply wearing the right shoes. Not too small or not too big but definitely not cheap.
