My early twenties were filled with confidence, hope, aspirations and uncontrolled emotions. I was a lover of Double Whooper Burgers (still kind of am), garlic bread, instant noodles (Trident Hot & Spicy or Mi Goreng – You guys know the ones!). I wanted to be a CEO of a large corporation, buy a house as soon as possible and travel the world.
Today, whilst I still like to eat HJ’s every now and then (have stopped eating that kind of stuff since reading ‘Dirty Genes’) – I’m eating much healthier with a balanced approach. I certainly don’t want to be a CEO of a corporation, unless it’s my own! I’m paying off a house and had the privilege to travel to many countries around the globe.
How I managed to pull off as much as I have – I have no idea.
But I certainly wish I knew a few things back then, that I do know now.
- Don’t try so hard
There are so many things you should put your energy towards, such as finding peace, your relationships with others and discovering more about yourself. If I could go back in time I’d tell myself to take a chill pill when it came to my career. There isn’t any need to get all worked up about not getting a role, bending over backwards for a company or dedicating more hours to your work rather than spending it with friends, family or yourself. No hard feelings to the company I work for now, however older Suzie would say that time with family and friends is much more valuable than what any job can offer you.
2. Eat more meat and veg instead of the processed foods
I lived at home with my parents until I was 21 so my diet was great having home cooked meals. Once I moved out, I quickly found out that I wasn’t a fantastic chef like my mother and cooking became a chore. It was much easier to eat take aways, chocolates and chips. Growing up I was always a slim build, so eating junk food had never been an issue. What I didn’t realise is that your metabolism starts to slow down at around 21 and the KGs started to slowly pile on. I would still be considered a slim frame however I certainly could be healthier!
3. Money over Independence
This is a recent realisation of mine, since I’m now living with the in-laws and enjoying it. I would have loved for my younger self to have stayed at home with my parents until my mid-twenties to save more money, travel even more than what I did and have less worries. It would have been much easier to set myself up financially and be in less debt.
If only you could go back in time and tell your younger self all these things… However, I guess I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had.
