Rewinding the Reels: Words from a Future Me to My 23-Year-Old Self
Ah, 23. Words from a Future Me to My 23-Year-Old Self. The age of endless possibilities, questionable fashion choices, and a caffeine drip that could fuel a small rocket. I remember it well – the heady cocktails of ambition, confusion, and that nagging uncertainty whispering, “Am I doing this right?”
Let me tell you, kiddo, you’re not alone in that bewildered feeling. But if I could hop in a time machine (with good Wi-Fi, obviously) and share some hard-won wisdom with my 23-year-old self, here’s the advice I’d drop:
Words from a Future Me to My 23-Year-Old Self
1. Money Talks, Honey, and It Whispers “Save”:
Look, avocado toast is delicious, but it won’t pay your rent when your 30s hit. Embrace frugality like it’s the new Gucci bag. Learn to cook. Befriend lentils. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and Marie-condo your finances. Trust me, skipping that third round of cocktails at the rooftop bar might sting initially, but the joy of a healthy bank account later? Pure nectar.
2. Ditch the Comparison Circus:
Social media paints a rosy picture of everyone else’s “perfect” lives. Newsflash: it’s all filtered, staged, and often heavily curated. Don’t fall into the comparison trap. You’re on your own unique journey, babe. Celebrate your milestones, big and small, without comparing them to someone else’s highlight reel. You’re a masterpiece, not a Pinterest board.
3. Invest Like You Mean It:
Think of compound interest as your fairy godmother, sprinkling financial magic over your future. Start investing early, even if it’s just a little. Automate it to make it painless. Set it and forget it, like a magical money seed that blooms into a forest of security later. Trust me, future you will thank you for every penny you tucked away while still rocking those ripped skinny jeans.
4. Impulse Buys are the Devil in Louboutins:
That “OMG I NEED IT” dress will gather dust faster than you can say “buyer’s remorse.” Learn the art of delayed gratification. Sleep on purchases, compare prices, and ask yourself: “Will this bring me long-term joy, or just a fleeting Instagram story?” Remember, sometimes the best purchase is no purchase at all. Your future self, rocking a responsible budget and a killer investment portfolio, will be doing a victory dance.
5. Find Your Yoda (and Listen!):
Seek out a mentor, someone who’s been there, done that, and has the t-shirt (and the wisdom) to prove it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, soak up their experience, and learn from their mistakes. A good mentor can be your compass in the career jungle, your Obi-Wan to your Luke Skywalker. Plus, it’s way cooler to have a Yoda than just regular Yoda-know-nothing friends (sorry, not sorry).
6. Brick and Mortar is Your BFF:
Forget the fleeting trends and invest in bricks. Yes, real estate. Buying property, even a small starter home, can be your ticket to financial stability and an inflation-proof asset. Do your research, find a fixer-upper with potential, and roll up your sleeves. The sweat equity you build will thank you when you’re sipping margaritas on your own private balcony, mortgage-free.
7. Embrace the Adventure (and the Hiccups):
This is your time to explore, to stumble, to get your heart broken and mended. Don’t be afraid to travel solo, take that unconventional job, say yes to new experiences. Life is a messy, beautiful adventure, and sometimes the greatest learnings come from the detours. Embrace the journey, bumps and all, and savor the delicious chaos of being 23.
Remember, darling, there are no “should haves” in life, just experiences that weave your unique tapestry. So, trust your gut, laugh often, and don’t forget to be kind to yourself. This crazy world needs your light, your fire, your unapologetic version of you. Now go forth and conquer, 23-year-old you. The future’s yours for the taking.
P.S. Don’t ditch the ripped skinny jeans entirely. Just invest in a good stain remover for the avocado toast mishaps. You’ll thank me later.
With love and a wink from your not-so-distant future self,
The Me Who Finally Figured It Out (Mostly)
www.heychica.co
Follow on IG @hey.chica.co
XOXO
