It’s hard to believe that it’s been over twenty years since I was twenty years old. Over the course of the last twenty years, I have learned so many things. I wish I could be twenty and know all of the things I know now about life in general. It is my hope that any teens and twenty years old who read this will garnish some bits of wisdom and actually use it in their own lives. But I know personally, I was stubborn and bullheaded during these years in my life and had to learn things the hard way.

Your Parents are Your Biggest Supporters and Assets in Life

Never ever take your mom or parents for granted, because when they are gone, you can’t get them back. My mom has been gone now since 2010. She wasn’t able to meet my youngest daughter. She wasn’t able to be there during the rockiest periods of my life. I never fully appreciated her while she was alive, and I regret not having a stronger relationship with her.

I don’t have an overly strong relationship with my Dad. However, we’ve been trying to regain it over the past year.

I’ve been blessed to have a wonderful woman who has always loved me as her daughter, and I feel like she’s another mom in my life. I’m so grateful to have her words of wisdom and shoulder to lean on through the years.

My in-laws may drive me crazy, but I have been blessed with having in-laws who are actively involved in our lives. (Even if it is more than I care to have them there on some occasions.)

Choose a Partner Not Another Burden

My husband has health issues, but despite all of those issues, he is still an active partner and helpmate for me. He helps in every way that he can.

He helps to raise the kids. He’s an active father. While he may not be able to go on family activities, like he used to, but he doesn’t stop me from going off and doing anything that makes me happy.

Don’t ever let anyone control your life! You only get one chance at living the best life you can.

You can’t change your partner. The only one you can change is yourself. Oftentimes, when we shower our partner with their form of love language we can mend a lot of things wrong in a relationship.

Be Financial Savvy

I can’t say this one enough! Start your savings early on in life! If you have the chance to do a 401K plan, take a small percentage out of your pay and put it towards it. If it’s not hitting your bank account from your paycheck from the word go, you won’t miss it. Chances are high, you’ve probably blown that small amount on something worthless anyways.

Take advantage of all of the simple ways you can put money in your pockets. They are all around you.

Get proper health and life insurance. It’s worth the investment. It protects you and your family.

Name brand products do not wear any better than non-name brands. Think long and hard before you upgrade your phones, your cars, and anything else pricey. A car loses its value quicker than any other investment. If you want to insist on paying a high car payment each month, consider putting that money aside and buy a cheap reliable used car instead. (I can’t express this bit of advice loud enough.)

Know Your Worth

Every person is worth something. All of us were created for a purpose. Granted, it may take a lifetime to find out what our true purpose in life is, but it’s there.

Don’t ever let anyone lower your self-esteem. You teach people how to treat you, so never let them get away with treating you poorly. Sometimes that may mean leaving them, but it’s far better to do that than to be treated insufficiently!

You are enough, never devalue yourself and put yourself on the clearance rack. Teach people how to treat you and treat yourself kindly.

Don’t Take Your Life For Granted

When you’re young and fit and healthy, you feel invincible. You feel like the world is your oyster. While I agree, that it is, but you aren’t invincible! You ONLY get ONE life. Don’t make reckless choices. Stay off your phone while you’re driving. A text, a social media moment, or a game are not worth risking your life or anyone else!

Stay away from drugs and alcohol. They only take away precious moments in your life. They aren’t adding any value. If anything they are making it so you can’t remember all the “cool” things you’re doing. They certainly won’t help you “erase anything from your life.”

I got blessed beyond measure that I didn’t kill someone or myself during my teen years. I did have a serious accident in 2006 that completely changed my life forever. While I still may take some chances here and there, I don’t do it often.

You’re Not ALONE!

Regardless of what you’re going through, there is always someone who can relate to your situation or holds the solution for it. You can garnish support from the most unlikely of sources.

It’s also far better to have a few quality friends versus a huge amount of acquaintances who won’t be there for you when you need them. Don’t be afraid to come out of your comfort zone to make connections.

I hope you’ll take these words of wisdom to heart. Over the next twenty years, you’ll see how much all of these matter.

What is the best advice you would have given your twenty-year-old self with what you know now?

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