What I Would Tell That Girl

Today, Katrina's daughter Hope turns 21.  Happy birthday Hope!  21 is such a milestone birthday and not because you can cut up the fake id and buy your own beer (not that Miss Hope would ever do such a thing) but because it is a time of crossroads for so many people.  

Here are the things I would tell my 21 year old self if given the chance: 

Do not run away from things that are painful.  Walk through the pain because there will be light on the other side and something good.  You might not know what that something good will be - uncertainty does not mean nonexistance.  

It is possible that you might meet the perfect person for you (or you might know him right now).  Don't resist.  Get married sooner.  Don't wait so long.  You already know if he is or isn't the person you are willing to walk through those painful things with.  You may think that a good job and financial security will eliminate problems.  They will - but they will also cause new and different problems that you are not even considering.  There is not a perfect time.  

Embrace your own style.  You have your own look.  Don't try to be a version of someone else because your own look is pretty damn cool.  

Focus on friendships.  Yes, school is important.  Achieving is important.  But making friends as an adult is a lot harder than making friends when you are a student.  It is OK to put a high priority on those relationships.  Your friends will need you and you will need them.  Feed the fires today.  

Learn to set boundaries.  If you only learn one skill for the rest of your life, learn this one.  

Just because life can be hard don't think it can't also bring you more joy than you can imagine.  Walk in the sunshine.  Laugh with friends.  Wear silly nail polish.  Everything doesn't have to be so serious and future driven.  Don't forget about today.  

and Call your mom.  She loves you more than anyone on Earth.