I turn 38 this weekend and honestly that sounds insane to me. I started this blog when I was 25 and here I am nearing 40. As I embark on 38 I think back to myself at 28. Early in 28 was one of the hardest and worst times of my life and by the end of 28, Andrew and I had been dating for 4 months. A lot can happen in one year and certainly in 10 years. I wanted to share 10 things I would tell myself at 28 years old mostly for me but some of you may find this fun too!
10 Things I Would Tell Myself At 28 Years Old
This year will be tough but you’re tougher: The year I turned 28 was hands down one of the hardest years. My dad was diagnosed with cancer a few months before my birthday and that summer he almost died. He ended up recovering, by a miracle and a stem cell transplant. I got out of a relationship that was NEVER going to work and ended up meeting Andrew. Obviously, that turned out well since 10 years later we have been married almost 8 years.
The nice guys are DEFINITELY worth your time: I think a lot of women have to date the asshole before you marry the nice guy. Sure some marry the asshole and some get it right with the nice guy from the get-go but that wasn’t my experience. I dated A LOT of jerks. But, then I gave the nice guy a chance and he turned out to be the love of my life.
Take the trips: Andrew and I always say we wish we had traveled more those first few years before we had kids. TAKE THE TRIPS! Even the small ones.
Don’t worry about other people’s timelines: I wish when kids were little we constantly weren’t always trying to put them on a timeline that everyone else is on. It’s ok to do everything when you are ready. Marriage, kids, etc. It can all wait.
If it won’t matter in 5 years don’t waste more than 5 minutes being upset: I tend to dwell on things at least internally. If something won’t really matter in 5 years it’s pretty pointless to spend more than 5 minutes being upset.
Stand your ground and stand up for what you believe in: It’s Ok if it makes me mad or uncomfortable. Just keep standing up for what you believe in. Teach your kids to do the same.
No one has any idea what they are doing when it comes to parenting: It’s OK if you feel like you have no idea what you are doing with your kids, no one does. We are all pretty much winging it.
Spend as much time with your grandparents as you can: At 28 I still had 9 more years with them but I wish I had more. I did spend a lot of time with them but I wish I had spent even more.
Some people are in your life for a reason or a season, not for life: Not everyone who’s in your life at 28 will be when you are 38 and that’s OK. Everyone in your life is there for a reason and to teach you something. Even if it isn’t forever.
Enjoy the ride: It’s all going to be fine. The ups will be great, the downs will be tough but you with weather every storm and be totally fine. Enjoy it.
I would give almost the same advice to myself at 28 too. Especially spending more time with your parents and grandparents. Also, parenting is hard and it’s impossible to be the perfect parent. And it’s ok.
First of all, happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of celebration. I’m 28 right now, and a lot of these things are ones I’m grateful to have already learned. I kind of had to “grow up” really quickly when I was around 18 years old due to some challenging things that happened in my personal life. Because of that, it allowed me to grow and learn so much in my early and mid-20’s. I’m hopeful that 10 years from now, I can reflect on 28 with fondness!
These are really great lessons and I can relate with a lot of them, especially the last two. Also, with timing. I’ve been waiting to be “ready” to have kids and I’m just not yet but I’m getting older so it’s been tough (especially with the pressure I’ve felt from family, friends, strangers, etc).
I don’t know that I’d change a lot, simply because children are involved. It’s nice to reflect though, and I’m glad your dad made it through and that you found the perfect relationship for you.
This is such great advice for your past self! And such a great list to make because I’m sure some of them will serve as great advice and reminders for the next 10 years too!
I love this post and all such great advice! I love your bit about taking those trips – I spent much of my 20s trying to save as much money as possible in all aspects of my life so I don’t have many experience memories as I wish I did. It’s something I’m actively trying to be better at now.
I love this post so much. I think we’d all go back and give ourselves some much-needed advice if we could.
I’m learning more about investing these days. I only wish I knew how to do this long ago!
This is heartwarming. I agree with spending time with your grandparents, every minute is precious.
Great list. I agree 100%. I’m 43 now and think back to when I was in my 30s…
Thr parenting one haha!! Correct. We are all blagging it right?!
Aaawwwww…these are so sweet! I would probably say that, “Stand your ground and stand up for what you believe in”.
I just turned 28 this year and these are such great lessons to learn from. Thank you for sharing
I would give almost the same advice to myself at 28 too. Especially spending more time with your parents and grandparents. Also, parenting is hard and it’s impossible to be the perfect parent. And it’s ok.
If I had the chance to talk to my 28 year old self, I would tell myself to build self confidence and not let anyone dictate my life.
First of all, happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of celebration. I’m 28 right now, and a lot of these things are ones I’m grateful to have already learned. I kind of had to “grow up” really quickly when I was around 18 years old due to some challenging things that happened in my personal life. Because of that, it allowed me to grow and learn so much in my early and mid-20’s. I’m hopeful that 10 years from now, I can reflect on 28 with fondness!
These are really great lessons and I can relate with a lot of them, especially the last two. Also, with timing. I’ve been waiting to be “ready” to have kids and I’m just not yet but I’m getting older so it’s been tough (especially with the pressure I’ve felt from family, friends, strangers, etc).
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Great things to tell yourself at that age. Definitely a good thing that you don’t worry about people timeline.
Awe, the grandparents comment is so relevant. I wish I could go back in time and cherish every second again.
I don’t know that I’d change a lot, simply because children are involved. It’s nice to reflect though, and I’m glad your dad made it through and that you found the perfect relationship for you.
I feel like I would have a lot of advice for my younger self. I was a bit naive and of course learned a lot more over the years!
Happy birthday!! I hope you had a great weekend celebrating 🙂 This is such a good list. Birthdays are the perfect time to reflect!
This is such great advice for your past self! And such a great list to make because I’m sure some of them will serve as great advice and reminders for the next 10 years too!
I love this post and all such great advice! I love your bit about taking those trips – I spent much of my 20s trying to save as much money as possible in all aspects of my life so I don’t have many experience memories as I wish I did. It’s something I’m actively trying to be better at now.
I love this post & your perspectives. I’ll be turning 37 at the end of the month so I totally feel ya!