12 August, 2010

Things We Wish We Knew When We Were 19

Happy 19th Birthday Hilbils!!! The pretty Jo De Mer bikini present has a short shelf life. But, hopefully the following tidbits of wisdom cobbled together by the bff Kimba and I will last a lifetime...

Things We Wish We Knew When We Were 19

It's the accumulation of many small decisions over time, more so than the few big ones, that chart the paths you take in life.

Be grateful for every thing no matter how inconsequential it may seem. Being grateful attracts more things into your life to be grateful for.

There is a difference between being tenacious and swimming upstream. Learn to distinguish between the two for one leads to success and the other to frustration.

Work daily on your relationship with God even, if it's just a simple "good morning" and "good night", for it will provide you with a level of peace, security and contentment that no person can give you.

You still get a great tan wearing an SPF 30 and doing so will save you a fortune at the dermatologist later in life.

Whether it's a hairdresser, manicurist, trainer or masseuse, never hesitate to voice your requests, concerns or discomfort. YOU know what's best for you, not them. Also, they are not your therapist so expect that anything you divulge will be repeated.

Be curious about the habits of highly evolved and successful people and apply them to your life.

Yoga is good.

Exercise your physical talents as often as possible cuz the day you realize you can no longer do that gainer off the diving board you will experience a sense of lost that's like a death.

The face, neck, and back of hands are the first places a woman shows signs of aging so take particular care.

Spend time with your grandparents and ask lots of questions because when you get older you will develop an insatiable curiosity about your heritage.

There really is such a thing as karma. You will get back exactly what you put out.

Incorporate breast self exams into your shower routine. Just like shaving and deep conditioning it should become a biweekly habit.

Your family loves you and cares more deeply about you than anyone and always has your best interest at heart.

Trust your instincts for they are an invaluable tool. If something doesn't feel right, it usually isn't.

Excessive drinking does lead to terrible decisions and consequences. You'll will also come to appreciate that the first cocktail is always the best. The ones that follow are just chasing a ghost.

Outward appearances mean nothing if you are not grounded and confident. It is never enough just to be a pretty girl.

No boy is worth pushing your values and instincts aside for.

Although 'tis always nice to give people room to grow, most personalities are set by first grade. Adjust your expectations accordingly and you will save yourself a world of hurt and disappointment.

Your grades and study habits will shape the rest of your life and provide you the best opportunity for a life of independence and success.

And, the adults were right; everything in moderation is best, time does heal all wounds and, this too did pass...

Kindness of the bff Kimba for collaborating with me on this post. Of course, her contributions are easily recognizable as the more eloquent words of wisdom. The ones with the bitter, hippie bent belong to yours truly...XXOO

22 comments:

  1. love this! they resonate so well to my 20 year old self :) xo

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  2. Excellent advice. I just hope this sort of counsel is extended to authentic American boys, since they are the ones suffering the most in the so-called 'New America'.

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  3. Wow, impressive and well said! You should send this to all of your teen-age relatives/friends. I particularly liked the one about family love. Props to you and your bff. Wise ladies.

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  4. I am very impressed, such great advice!!!I am much older and I must say I agree with all counts.Especially the time with God. it is the only way to start and spend and end the day,kathysue

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  5. Excellent words of wisdom. I must share this with my kiddos!

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  6. Seriously, you need to publish these in a book or on flash cards. I think every 19 year old or even an old dog like me could benefit from a few tricks.
    Happy Birthday ~ sweet 19.
    pve

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  7. *deep sigh* Oh the list I could make. *deep sigh*

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  8. Each and every tip is a bit of gold. The especially painful one is the one referring to not being able to do the gainer off the diving board anymore. Don't I know that and it still smarts today!!!

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  9. This list is a treasure of wisdom! Nicely done!!

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  10. Happy Birthday to your niece. Your list is wonderful. And at the ripe old age of 35 I appreciate the advice. Lord knows I could do a few of those things. xo xo

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  11. You NEED to write a book! Maybe it would be called "How to Summer Properly". I love your advice to Hilbils!

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  12. Oh goodness, this is so wonderful. Wowe. We're with those suggesting a book, how about PVE doing illustrations to accompany the words of wisdom?

    Big smiles at you, this was also perfect for an old biddy like me to see!
    tp

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  13. I wish I had and BELIEVED this list when I was 19. Unfortunately with age comes the wisdom but you have already screwed so many of these things up. I will be passing this list along to all my friends with kids. MB

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  14. Happy Birthday! A most excellent giftie from Auntie and Auntie BFF.

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  15. Lovely thoughts. Not a bitter one amongst them. And nothing wrong with a hippie flash or two, here and there, among family.

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  16. Good advice. I'm catching up on all your posts. I envy the time you get to spend on the beach.

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  17. Love these words of wisdom. Very, very true. My favorite is the Good morning and Good night one. I do it often and find I need it "often-er".

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  18. Just found your blog and adore it! Such fabulous words of wisdom at ANY age. :)

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  19. A, I love your and BFF's words of wisdom. Even on my 40th birthday, they are great to hear. Very wise ladies indeed! XOXO

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  20. So need to be linked from your home page for all time. Your wisdom is glowing...

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  21. ah geez, wait till you see the pics i just unearthed of us when we were 19!! looking forward to a weekend of laughing with you. xoxo e

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