If only I could go back to college, there are so many things I would change: the experience of choosing a major, activities to get involved in, the boys I dated, choosing my priorities for those 4 years – there’s a reason they call it hindsight 20/20. If I could write a letter to myself back then, this is what I’d want to say:
Be Kind To Yourself
It’s so easy to compare ourselves to the pictures we see on social media and to the life we want for ourselves, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient and gracious with yourself.
You are a Work in Progress.
Try to enjoy the moment and know whatever you are going through, IT IS temporary. One day you will look back and wish you had not tried to rush the many experiences in your life.
Embrace Challenges
There will be hard times, but one day you will look back and see those circumstances molded you and made you the wise person you are today. Good and bad, you will be all the more empathetic toward your fellow man if you can lean into the experience and know you are being used for a reason. To truly experience joy, first we must understand suffering; this is where the growth happens.
Listen Well
Listen more and talk less. There is a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth. Everyone loves to be with someone who listens to them. They feel heard, validated and affirmed. Look people in the eye. You will be a friend for life because someone feels understood. There are usually words of wisdom found listening to others and their interesting stories. Find what you have in common, and maybe it will blossom into a life-long friendship.
Live In the Moment
My wish for you is this – enjoy every minute of every day. I know those minutes can seem like an eternity and FOMO is around the corner but stay put…your next great adventure awaits in 5 minutes or 5 hours. Be present now.
Enjoy the Journey
I truly believe the adventure happens every moment of your journey. Just take time to look at it and be patient for it to unfold. You have a purpose, and to rush a beautiful thing would be cheating the world of all you have to offer your fellow travelers.
Suzy Martinek 