20-Somethings Blog

You freaked out over this year, just a little.  You spewed out a list of things you planned on accomplishing during this new decade of life on video - graduating, moving, getting a first job, building up your career, buying a first home, getting married, but you saved kids for your 30s.  

Forget the pressures of the world.  

Save your money.  The weekly shopping sprees from the account that "dad is paying for" will eventually be your account and you'll wish you had more in your bank account than all those Bebe tops.  Stick to your guns, you'll be happy to say in a few years that you never touched a cigarette or done any drugs and you can tell that to your children one day.  Continue to love people - people who are different, sad, lonely, and lost.  You'll find so much joy loving others.  Take every opportunity that comes your way.  Be persistent, ask questions, be a little more bold in your personality and conversation, know that most of this life requires heavily networking and in order to get places, you need to not be timid or shy.  Be bold, and all those pageants will help you get there.

Stop trying to be overly optimistic and make boyfriends who should've been short term into long term or "the one" just so you can be done with dating.  Remember, dating is not awful or a pain when it's with the right person, and being single is the most incredible thing, especially in comparison to dating the wrong guys.  There is no deadline to settling down.  Instead of trying to check it off your list, take it easy and enjoy this time in your life. Just like your teenage years, when it's gone, it's gone and you want to make sure you embraced every moment and took every opportunity.  There is The One and he exists, and you both will meet.

Dad will get terminally ill.  You'll cry out to a God you've never known or ever spoken to before, slightly ashamed, begging for dad to be saved.  To spare your heartache now, I'll tell you that God creates a miracle out of dad, changing the course of his life, and yours. 

You will meet the greatest love of your life named Jesus at 25.  He will change your life, perspective, and you will love following him.  He will never let you down.  Then because of Jesus, in five more years, you will meet your husband, the most amazing man you will have ever met, Benjamin.  You'll know right away that it's him and not in that hopeful way, you will just know because it'll feel like home.  It'll be easy, it'll be everything that every one who has had a successful marriage tells you it is like.  And, he'll feel the same way.  Then, you'll both get married in a flash.

Remember: 1) Don't chase boys or follow them anywhere.  Your career comes first.  YOU come first.  2) Not all "Christian" men you meet can lead.  In fact, there will be several who will manipulate, abuse and try to control you.  Flee, and know that's not what God has in store for you.  3) Don't spend more than you make.  It is way too easy to fall into debt like most women and men do not like that one bit.  4) Don't let anyone change you or tell you that you aren't good enough.  5) Don't rush into getting married, ever.  6) Don't try to make anyone convince you they are the right one for you when deep down you know that "settling" feeling is around, don't settle. 7) If a door closes, find a window.  Everything you could ever want in life is outside of your comfort zone.  The worst thing you could do is doing nothing at all and letting your dreams and window of opportunity expire.

But you may not listen, I'm aware.  This is the time to make mistakes, but learning as quickly as possible will avoid future mistakes.  

If there's one thing I could stress the most to you at this very age, 20, since you have been a "good girl" at this age is to stay pure.  I know you're thinking your future husband isn't thinking about you, but you will love him more than you know and wish that you only knew him.  Start to love him so much now, and make smart decisions to honor him, starting today. And love yourself enough to be strong, to look out for your own well being without being selfish, but because you know you deserve better.

Enjoy your 20s, it'l be a roller coaster but it'll be so fun.

xx,

PS - 30 isn't that bad.  You'll be signed with one of the world's biggest modeling agencies and you'll loose some of that "face chub" that you're carrying right now.  Trust me, you'll love it more than 20.