Ever experience regret? Yeah, me, too. All the time actually. Here lately I have been thinking about things I wish I could have changed within the last few years of my life. Relationships, friendships, and some regrettable college courses later, I find myself here in the present, thinking about what I would change. Is that okay? I would never change my present circumstance, but given the opportunity, I might have tweaked the path to getting to this place. So, in commemoration of these last several years, here are a few things I wish I had known in before starting upon this emotional roller coaster called "life".

1. Don't sweat the small stuff

Seriously though, is there any point? I have always been the biggest worry wart when it comes to everything going on in the world around me, and I can almost promise that it has shaved a few years off of my life. Looking back, I seriously wish I could tell the 18 year old Missouri to just go with the flow. Not taking things too seriously might have been beneficial back then.

2. Stay single

I had to punctuate that one. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly. It is all the relationships leading up to him that I wish I could go back and be like "seriously?". Given, I only ever had one college boyfriend (for like a month) aside from Landon, but that doesn't mean there weren't some dumb decisions in terms of guys that I should have just left alone. To the me in the past, I say check yourself, and to the me in the future, enjoy your life and live with good company among you.

3. Remember to double check EVERYTHING

I swear, there was always something. Whether it was a homework deadline or a work project, I always forgot something. No amount of alarms set, notes written, or lists made could change that for the younger me. Sadly, this is still one that I am struggling with. I just cannot seem to keep it together when it comes to life. *insert sad laughter*

4. Embrace alone time

I cannot stress this enough, younger me. I used to constantly keep myself busy with work, school, media, etc. It is crazy now that I look back and just wish I could tell myself back then to take a step back and understand that being by yourself is okay. Now, I relish in quiet time. Whether it be reading, watching some Parenthood, or just watching my baby sleep, quiet time is so essential.

5. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Oh my goodness. So I was always fairly good with money in college. I would have enough to have all of my bills paid, and then I would spend the remainder on food or clothes. Looking back, the amount of money I spent on miscellaneous stuff, I could have saved and probably have bought a car at this point. I mean good grief. Younger Missouri, young people, and to all the unborn babies with unforeseen spending habits, just keep the debit card in your pocket.

I guess in the midst of all of it, I would really stress to everyone going through the beginning stages of life to just enjoy it. Be smart, save your money, but have fun. Life is too short not to.