Letter to My Younger 20-Something Self. Lessons on love and life.
Photographer: Wesley McCaskey
Dear younger 20-something self:
Stop stressing so much…all those years studying in school will be worth it. The climb up the corporate ladder will be annoying and challenging but those experiences will help lead you to a career you love. Know your worth and go get it. Nothing grows in the comfort zone.
Don’t spend so much time planning to escape your protective parents, they really mean well. Take time to travel with them while you can, in a few years you’ll understand why and you’ll thank me later. Say “I love you” more and hold onto those hugs a little longer.
Know the difference between real friends and people who just want to be around when the spotlight is shining. A lot of people get fake when sh*t gets real. Never forget the people who take time to check up on you, don’t forget to do the same.
When people show you who they are, believe them. Focus more on loving yourself than who will love you. You’ll lose a lot of people when you’re focusing on yourself, don’t ever feel sorry for evolving. Only surround yourself with people who show love, not just talk about it.
It’s easy to compare your life to other people and feel discouraged. Understand that everyone’s journey is different. Those new shoes and designer purse won’t mean a thing later on, invest your money on trips that enhance your soul. You’re going to meet some amazing people while traveling who will become lifelong friends.
Rejection is protection. You’ll realize that even though you may want a person in your life more than anything in the world it doesn’t always necessarily mean that person should be in your life, if they don’t value you enough then the position you wanted them to fill is for someone more deserving of it. Don’t be afraid to walk away from someone who doesn’t love you enough.
Don’t fall in love with potential, what looks good on paper doesn’t mean it looks good on you. Stay the hell away from boys who make you feel guilty for wanting to be treated the way they treated you in the beginning. Always trust your instincts, you’re not crazy.
You got to learn how to vibe alone, finding yourself should be a priority. You can’t live your life being dependent on other people’s energy. Find out what makes you happy and what fills your own heart because no one will be able to do that for you if you don’t know yourself. You have the ability to be self sufficient, use it!
Live your life and forget what people think. Some people will hate you because of the way other people love you. No matter what you do, you can’t please everyone. Dita Von Teese once said, "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, but there will always be someone who hates peaches." In other words, f*ck what they think, just do YOU!
Love,
Your future self, Kimmy
Photographer: Wesley McCaskey