Wisdom from Older Women

I recently asked a question on social media. The response I received was so amazing that I decided to share that wisdom from older women. I asked the simple question of these 30-something plus women: what advice would you give to women in their 20’s? Here are a few of the best!

40 nuggets of truth:

• Learn to love yourself before you try to love someone else.
• Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Know your worth and never settle for less than you deserve.
• Don’t let other people’s opinions dictate how you view yourself.
• Stop tanning & wear sunscreen!!
• Listen more and talk less.
• Surround yourself with people that build you up, not knock you down.
• Take care of your financial health. Your credit score really does matter.
• Just keep going. Stay true to yourself.
• Have faith in God because he already has it all worked out.

• Don’t buy something unless you have the cash to pay for it.
• Don’t lose yourself, especially when your children are young.
• Get out of an abusive relationship the first time it happens. It WILL happen again, no matter what he/she says.
• Enjoy the freedom of not having kids.
• Listen to your gut. You really do know the answers.
• It’s ok if you aren’t married and don’t have kids by the time your 25.
• Just enjoy life. Be happy. Don’t stress about the small things.
• Follow your dreams. Don’t just do things because everyone else is doing them.
• It’s ok to say no.
• You don’t have to take all the advice your given, but appreciate where it comes from.

• Don’t rely on someone else to take care of you. Learn to rely on yourself.
• Wear the cute outfits and travel!
• You can’t control everything around you, but you can control the way you respond.
• Don’t bend over backward to please anyone except yourself.
• Go to therapy, even if you don’t think you need it.
• Don’t be close-minded. There’s a lot of beauty in the unknown.
• Don’t wait to be healthy. The older you get; the harder it is.
• Everything happens for a reason.
• Love your body!
• Learn to assert yourself. Confidence is power.

• You never really know a person until you get married.
• Chill out and don’t over-stress. Patience is a virtue.
• If you have a dream, go for it. Now. Don’t wait.
• You only think you’re tired. Just wait.
• Buy less stuff, but buy nice stuff.
• Never take anything too seriously, including yourself.
• Find a career you love and keep it. Don’t leave yourself behind for anyone.
• Don’t waste your time crying about someone that was reckless enough to break your heart.
• Start saving now, even if it’s only a small % of your income.
• Your 30’s are pretty great. Don’t dread it.

When I was in my 20s, I didn’t know a lot about this crazy world. Hell, I still don’t. As older (hopefully wiser) versions of our 20 year old selves, I think it’s important to share our learnings with the younger generation. Hopefully this information will help some young women to avoid the mistakes we made, but remember, your life is your own journey. Your mistakes will lead you down your own path to find your truth.

Enjoy the ride!