I guess being in my mid thirties has helped me overcome so many fears and finally accept me for who I am. It’s true what they say, as one gets older, one becomes more confident and comfortable in their own skin. I am so different from the person I am today to the person I was in my early twenties. I guess we keep evolving and the things that once mattered to us become a thing of the past and certain priorities become much more profound. There are a few things that I look back with slight dismay, not regret but just wish I had a clearer vision and perhaps made slightly different choices. So I thought I’d put together things I would say to my younger self, I kept it quite short even though I could have carried on till infinity…

Don’t Hate Your Imperfections

I promise that you will learn to love your imperfections. Ok maybe not love but you will accept them. It may seem strange and during your teens and twenties you will pay more attention to the things you hate rather than the things you love about yourself. I remember getting caught up in my insecurities while I should have been concentrating on the qualities that I had. That really does come with time and I can honestly vouch for that! Looking back I wish I had the confidence that I have today, while that does come with life experiences, my advice is cultivate your personality, be strong, build it and stand by your ground. A strong persona will always shine through, looks fade but your personality doesn’t and it’s your ticket to the future!

Don’t be Intimidated by Anyone or Anything

I know this can sound quite daunting especially when at a young age, I mean I still find myself in intimidating situations but luckily I snap right out of it! There are going to be times that you will have to say no and walk away from uncomfortable scenarios. Sometimes you may feel you are not worthy enough but trust me you are and your biggest asset is the fact that you are you and that is what makes you truly unique!

Your Intuition is Always Right!

This probably has to be one of the most important points for me and something I’ve really learnt along the way. You intuition, that gut feeling you have is always right. As we get older we learn to trust it a little bit more. Always follow it! If you’re uncertain of something or it just doesn’t feel right then walk away!

Take Your Mum’s Advice

I can honestly say that most of the advice that my mum gave (still does) is {mostly} right. While I refused to listen to her back then, I’ve learnt that she really did have a point. Our parents have tons of experience and while we think they are out of touch with the latest trends or relationship advice, they too were young and were pretty cool. One piece of advice I am thankful for and luckily I listened, was wear a high SPF everyday. My mother got me into creams to protect me from the sun as we always travelled to Italy for the summer holidays. She certainly had a point and I’m glad that I listened.

Never Give Up Hope and Believe in Yourself

You are going to meet many hurdles along the way. There will be tough times and there will be moments that you feel your world is falling a part. It’s part of life and it’s what makes you stronger and gives you the experience you need. So my advice would be to always believe in your dreams no matter how absurd they may seem to others. Don’t let others put you down and if they do then they are not your real friends and frankly you don’t need them in your life. If there is anything I have learnt is to pursue your dreams because nothing is impossible, you just have to work hard at it with passion!

Learn an Extra Language

While I do speak three languages, I wish I never gave up my German classes when I was younger. I was lazy and when I had to choose whether I wanted to take it for GCSE’s I turned it down much to my father’s dismay. I still kick myself to this day and wished I’d pushed myself harder and realise how important it is to learn languages. However it’s never too late and I’m thinking of taking a few lessons.

 Surround Yourself With Positive People

Growing up you really come to realise who your friends are. Who you surround yourself with, are the ones that influence your life the most. I’ve learnt to eliminate all toxic or negative people that I’ve met along my path. If someone is putting you down, making you feel shitty about yourself then they simply do not have any room in your life. Be surrounded with positive people who you know genuinely care about you. Life is short so spend it with people that matter.

Save the Pennies

Oh how I wished I had saved so much more during my twenties. It’s so easy to get caught up in it all and basically have fun and spend! But it’s important to put aside what you earn and really take responsibility for your future. Never depend on anyone, be independent because it is the greatest gift of all.

Finally, be happy, enjoy each day as it comes there is no need to rush to grow up, it’ll happen before you know it.

Wearing jewellery from Missoma, Cami from Uniqlo.