29 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self

As I approach my 29th birthday, I cannot help but feel an immense amount of gratitude. I finally feel like I’m in a place in my life where I feel at peace. I feel at peace with where my life is heading, where I have been and just overall feel a calmness within myself. I also felt heavily inspired after reading T. Swifts 30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30, and figured I’d take a stab at it myself. So sit down and get ready for the 29 things I wish I could tell a younger Kirsten.

1. Not everyone will like you, and that is completely okay. Don’t lose sense of your true self to conform and try to be what other people want you to be.

2. You will lose touch with friends who you thought would be there forever. Instead of dwelling on it, focus on surrounding yourself with like-minded people.

3. You are not as fat as you think. In fact, you’re not even fat. Embrace those healthy curves and remember that your body will carry you further in life if you take care of it.

4. Don’t get caught up in the he said/she said drama. It isn’t worth your time or energy. Instead, focus your energy on all things positive.

5. Save. Your. Money. Remember that shopping spree at the outlets? Where are all of those clothes now? Invest your money in something more important, like your savings account for a vacation.

6. Learn to forgive people. Even if they don’t deserve it or ask for it. Clear your mind and conscious of all negative energy — you’ll feel happier once you do.

7. Set up your 401k.

8. Take your vitamins.

9. Drink your water, even if you have to put fruit or cucumbers in it.

10. Tanning beds are gross, just stop.

11. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Melanoma is no joke and neither are wrinkles.

12. Speaking of wrinkles, take care of your skin. It’s your biggest organ. Drink your water and moisturize tf out of your skin.

13. Don’t let past heartbreaks make you become cynical about love.

14. You don’t need to oversexualize yourself to get attention from the opposite sex. Show your heart, show your passions, and show your personality — that will bring the right form of attention.

15. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying hard enough. See where you’re failing, regroup, and try again.

16. Keep the kindness in your heart. Don’t be naïve, but give everyone the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise.

17. It’s okay to be selfish with your time, but always respect other people’s time and the fact they could be just as selfish with theirs.

18. Take care of your body. Stretch, rest, and do some yoga — your body will thank you when you’re 29.

19. Never go to sleep angry.

20. Read more books that will benefit your self-growth and add value to your life.

21. Pick up the phone and call your family and friends. Facetime with them. Texting has no emotional connection to it.

22. Remember, you are getting older, and so are your parents. Make time for them, even if it interrupts your social life.

23. Stop comparing your journey to people around you or on social media. Just because others are settling down and starting families doesn’t mean you’re behind.

24. The grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s greener wherever you water it.

25. Quality friends are more important than the quantity.

26. Be patient. Whether it’s with driving, with people, or with yourself. Nothing was built or done overnight.

27. Stop getting less than 8 hours of sleep.

28. Stay humble and kind.

29. Be you, and love unapologetically.