Advice For My Younger Self

I love photographing high school seniors. If you have been following me for a little while now you are well aware of that. It is such an exciting transitional time in your life. I turned 28 today and I thought it would be fun if I could give advice to my younger self as if I was a senior in high school again.

Here are 28 things I wish I could tell myself 10 years ago…

1. Don’t worry so much about what others think about you, most of them will be long gone a couple years after graduation <3
2. Don’t feel inferior for wanting a career in photography instead of a more traditional job
3. You will be forever proud of yourself for working so hard in school
4. Don’t worry, you WILL learn how to finally do your makeup…haha!
5. College will be some of the best years of your life, with the most long lasting friendships
6. Don’t ever be afraid to say no to adventure and travel, it will lead you to some of the best experiences you’ve ever had.
7. Don’t sweat the small stuff
8. Negative self talks leads to no where good
9. Your relationship with the Lord will always be the most precious thing you have <3
10. The transition out of college will be the hardest thing you will ever have to adjust to, but don’t get discourage this is where you learn the most about yourself
11. Don’t listen to those that tell you, you can’t dream
12. That guy in high school and college is not worth crying over
13. Your hubby WILL come along and in the most unexpected way
14. Coffee will be your best friend….no, seriously it will be your life source
15. Hug your grandma a little tighter, you won’t get her much longer after college starts <3
16. You will soon learn experiences and relationships mean so much more than looks and material things…so invest in things that matter
17. Don’t neglect your health, even when you go through a painful transitional time in your life
18. Relationship don’t thrive because the guilty are punished, but rather that the innocent are merciful
19. Owning your own business IS possible, but it won’t be easy
20. Be silly
21. Save your money…and then save more money
22. Don’t let social media tell you how you should look
23. Marriage will surprise you and show you how selfish you really are, so pause before you speak and learn humility all over again
24. Worrying about tomorrow only takes away today’s peace
25. There is never a perfect time for anything, you have to just go for it
26. Continue art, music, drawing, writing, cuddling kittens, watching wholesome shows, learning about photography and videography….it’s these things that bring your soul joy and God wants to give you those things to enjoy. You won’t feel right if you give those up for adult responsibilities. Making time for these things is so important.
27. Balance is a never ending tug-a-war
28. You will change a lot over the next 10 years so enjoy each moment. Learn from each growing pain. Laugh until your sides hurt at each ridiculous moment with your friends. Soak in every travel experience. BE in the moment with family. Try not to stress so much over money and stability, it’s your experiences and relationships that you will treasure the most <3.

Here is to the next 10 years. I will enjoy looking back at this note to my younger self, only to write a new one. 🙂