Elyse my girl, I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to write that. Truly.

TIFFANY FIRSTLY I LOVE YOU SECONDLY I LOVE YOU AND THIRDLY I COULDN’T HAVE IT LESS TOGETHER.

I think we’re always just assuming that we’re the only ones feeling this *MUCH* anxiety or this exact *TYPE* of anxiety when in reality that COUDLN’T BE LESS TRUE, and my only writing goal is to keep reminding people that they’re not alone in those feelings AT. ALL.

FOURTHLY I LOVE YOU.

You’re not lazy! Sometimes other things take priority in life! Maybe this is your sign to get back into it 🙂

LISA!!!!!!!!! Are you KIDDING ME!!!!!!! This is the greatest piece of collective advice I have ever read in my entire LIFE. I’ve read it aloud to several people and copied and pasted it into my phone’s notes so I can go back and read it like, uhm, EVERY DAY.

Are you a life coach???? An angel??? Just a very good writer human?? WHICHEVER you are I am so thankful for you and you make writing and sharing THAT much better.

Thanks for always cheerin me on, MA. <3

WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS, GRACE. As my boyfriend always (annoyingly, but is right) says: just keep showin’ up. It’ll figure itself out.

Anytime, darling. <3

Isn’t that just the weirdest part of life? We’re only able to understand and believe the advice we need when we’re kind of past the point of needing it??

Taking “you’ll be able to handle it, because that’s what we humans do” with me. <3

Great list Lisa. I am 45 and your list is so good for any age. I am going to adopt some of these.

i DO know instagram is a false image of people’s real lives, but this was a great reminder that none of us really have it all figured out, even if we seem like we do.

thanks again. 🙂

When you say Yes to one thing, you say No to something else. Something must always be sacrificed, so reevaluate your priorities when life changes happen.

You can be thrilled with one area of life and desperately disappointed in others, most people need to be fairly satisfied in each realm to be happily satisfied: Home, Love, Family, Work, Friends, Area. One or more of these, is often changing, as are your ideas about what you need in these realms!

Love those adorable photos of your twenty-something self, but enjoy pushing the body you have now to be its best. The best photos are when you are feeling good. Remember that you are striving for healthy decades to come!

Enjoy the kick that Monday scaries give you and seek projects that are exciting a worth the fright! Protect “me time” on the weekend and some evening (or early morning) time for reflection and relaxation.

Practice mindfullness for yourself and those around you. Engage in new independent activities and put yourself in situations where you will meet new people: dance class, travel, new language, etc.

Treat your student debt as “good debt” and keep pecking away at it in the background (without guilt), as you continue to invest in yourself and basic needs. Leaning on credit cards is a recipe for disaster.

Be present for others when they are dealing with tough stuff: death, illness, divorce, birth. Ask: How can I help you? And remember that simply listening is often what is needed (not advice if you can’t identify).

Prioritize the friendships with people who are kind and open and let the self-centered folks go. Put your gorgeous energy into continuing to meet new folks and celebrate the relationships that continue to grow. As life demands increase, time for consistent “friend time” is less available, but close friendships become a valuable tool when making serious decisions.

Pause when you are talking to gather your thoughts. The pause feels longer to you then others. If people aren’t listening stop talking or call them out if they are distracted. Mean people and thinking about mean judgmental people is a waste of your energy. If someone doesn’t listen often, assess whether it is just them or do you need to listen more?

Hold onto your passion and intensity! Channel it into actions that have value to you.

Listen to the stories your parent tell and let them in on your life story. Make an effort to see them in person.

Embrace minimalist ideas when it comes to stuff (including personal care and beauty supplies) and more importantly resist societies push to turn you into a frantic consumer.

Learn to cook and choose to make eating healthy at home a central pillar of your budget. Buy ingredients that can be used in multiple ways. Simple and without condiments is best. Potlucks are cheap when they aren’t boozefests- set a theme or build around a dish you advertise.

Approach each new love affair with an open heart and solid communication- seek a partner with the same attitude. (Read 5 love languages and talk about it)

Continue to form rewarding relationships with other women that are living life in a mindful respectful way. Disregard age as a limitation on friendship.

Spend time with children of friends and volunteer with children to better understand your own desires to have children and to gain skills in understanding childhood development.

Seek opportunities to travel and enjoy life without children now!

Look for real life role models that are living in their own skin, include them in your life and learn from them.

Be open to beautiful unexpected moments and true to yourself and your needs.

Thanks so much for sharing.

– Grace | The Keen Kind

“Don’t worry. Things will mostly be fine. And when they’re not, you’ll be able to handle it, because that’s what we humans do.”

I mean, my younger self probably wouldn’t pay any heed to this advice, because that wasn’t her strong suit, but still.