It's Never Too Late to Learn

    I love to sit down and ask my friends random questions (which I usually find from the Internet) and the one that pops up all the time is, "What's something you wish you could tell your younger self?" Well, I mulled that over and came up with several somethings.  

1. Your parents are the most important people in your world. Trust them, listen to them, and love them. 
2. You won't make friends if you don't put yourself out there. 
3. Even the popular kids aren't perfect. Stop thinking that they're living a more fulfilling life than you.
4. Music will help, always.
5. Keep all your family close to your heart; they won't be around forever.
6. The kind of person you are is so much more important than the kind of body you have.
7. Write anything and everything down; it will help you keep your shit together.
8. Water is your friend. Drink A LOT of it.
9. If you're skeptical about a clothing item, try it in a bigger size before buying it.
10. Long warm showers will make you feel better. 
11. Make eye contact during conversation; it's more memorable that way.
12. Never pass up on new desserts at social events, because it's all you'll think about the next day.
13. You can learn many valuable life lessons from heartfelt TV shows.
14. You can't make people care who simply don't. It is a draining and useless effort.
15. Your job is not to impress guys. The right guys will be impressed by you being your unique self. 
16. Even when you are frustrated, overwhelmed, or plain pissed off, be kind. You'll always regret the things mean Libby says and does.
17. Don't pretend to like stuff you don't.
18. You're always setting an example in everything you do. Don't take that responsibility lightly.
19. Scary movies screw with your head and refuse to let you sleep. If it's a choice, watch a rom-com.
20. Your friends really do need to hear how much you appreciate them.
21. Talk to someone about your problems; you are not being a nuisance by doing so.
22. Stop worrying about what's next and focus on what's happening now.
23. You will become too attached to people too quickly. This is a great thing because you're a loving person, but a difficult thing because you will feel lost when they leave.
24. Find people who inspire you, make you laugh, and make your heart feel safe. 
25. Exercise even when you really don't want to.
26. Don't believe everything you tell yourself. Libby can be rude, insensitive, and hurtful sometimes.
27. Spend money on things you know you will use. 
28. Read, read, read! Especially autobiographies of women you admire.
29. It's ok that you're weird. You will find more of your kind and they will accept you as you are.
30. Life is awfully complicated, but pretty darn beautiful; accept that and you will be on your way to brighter days.

    To be honest, I still have to work daily to remind myself of some of these lessons. I do hope younger Libby realizes how much progress she's made though. I am not someone who can say "I have no regrets." If I could smack some sense into my past self, believe me, I would. But I can't go back and fix my mistakes or change my choices. I can only move forward with what the past has taught me, and I'm starting to make peace with that. <3