Ten Things I Wish I Could Tell My Past Self

I am a woman of few regrets. I don’t find reminiscing useful and the only thing we as human beings can change is our future.

But I miss Brussels. I miss the freedom of being able to go wherever I want and do whatever I want every hour of every day.

I know I’m not the only one who misses the old days. It’s all anyone talks about. I can’t talk to any of my friends without most of the conversation being dedicated to what we miss about being able to be normal.

I know it might make me shallow, so I don’t talk about it often, but I’m sad I am missing my opportunity to be abroad. The only reason I could afford to go is because I’m on so much scholarship that it cost more to stay at Furman, and this is the only time in my life when I can have this type of experience.

But as I said, the only thing we can change is our future.

So here are my top ten things I wish I could have told my past self that I will use to make my future self a happier self:

1. Don’t spend so much time missing home - I called home and called my friends at home all the time. And that was fine. But I would cry about how much I missed everybody, and next thing I knew, I was home, with my family, and we’ve been around nobody but each other for over a month. If I had known that, I wouldn't have dedicated so much of my time.

2. Get a postcard everywhere you go - Memory fails us. I wish I was the exception, but I’m not. Life moves on and soon, you are going to wish you had something to tie yourself back. That being said, I hate trinkets, clutter, and excessive spending. So save a piece of paper or a postcard.

3. Don’t fight with your friends - Fighting with your friends is never worth it. Period.

4. Go out to eat more often than seems right - A lot of my best memories are from eating at restaurants with my friends or new people or big groups. Saving a penny here and there in order to spend more on experiences is worth it. Not every day, but more often than you think.

5. Stop complaining - When I look back on my time in Brussels, I wouldn’t have changed anything, and frankly, I couldn’t have changed anything. So tell me why I complained so much? Venting to a friend every once in a while is fun, but don’t let the little things dampen your day.

6. Go to every happy hour - So many times, I opt out of group events and hangouts because I’m a little tired or not in the mood. Then other times I go and realize what I’ve been missing. Don’t pass up the little opportunities.

7. Netflix can wait - I love Netflix. But I can watch Netflix while doing my makeup in the morning or before bed. There is nothing special or urgent about Netflix. Stay off of it as much as you can, it doesn’t matter.

8. Do something crazy - I cannot emphasize this enough. Doing crazy things is my absolute favorite things. This includes risk, but risk is the spice of life, baby. Just do something uncharacteristic of yourself, or something not in your comfort zone, or something truly insane. You’ll thank yourself later.

9. Stop making yourself sad - You know what I’m talking about. When you dwell, or mope, or read too much into situations. It’s not worth it!!!!! Your time is more valuable than that.

10. Tomorrow sometimes never comes - I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s true. You must live your life like every day is your last. Do you want to be sad or angry on your last day? Don’t assume you have all the time in the world. Today is the only day you really have.