This morning as I was driving to work, an old song came on the radio.
You know those songs that take you back to a time of your life and make you feel like it was yesterday? This song is one of those.
So what is it? Low by Flo Rida. (what can I say…I like my rap…shorty had them applebottom jeans….)
As I was listening, I thought about how much life has changed the last few years and especially how I have changed as a person. I couldn’t help but look back to that time of my life and think “If I knew then, what I know now”….
- I would’ve spent more time thinking about others, and less time thinking about myself
- I would’ve appreciated what I had, instead of obsessing over what I didn’t
- I would’ve been more thankful for my parents and everything they did for me
- I wouldn’t have put up with a boss that talked down to me
- I would’ve spent less money on materialistic items, and donated it instead
- I wouldn’t have dated that a-hole
- I would’ve drank more water, and less wine
- I would’ve taken more cabs
- I would’ve stood up for myself more
- I would’ve been happier with my appearance
- I would’ve payed better attention in my MBA classes
- I would’ve spent more time with my friends that deserved my time, and less with those that didn’t
- I wouldn’t have tolerated a boyfriend that didn’t take me seriously (different dude than the one above)
- I wouldn’t have been such a slacker with my running
- I would’ve tried to meet more people and branch out
- I would’ve volunteered more
- I would’ve been more accepting of people
- I would’ve been healthier
- I wouldn’t have wasted tears over things and people that didn’t deserve my tears
- I would’ve said yes to a date with my now husband two and a half years sooner
And those are just a few of things I would do differently now.
But I will tell you this – I regret none of these decisions. Because without these decisions, I would not be the person I am today. I am a firm believer that our mistakes teach us lessons and make us better people. I know mine certainly have.
Today I am thankful for all that I have and the person I have become.
And while my early 20’s were awesome – please do not make me go back 🙂
xo,
Ali
P.S. I am impressed that Flo Rida could make me think so deep.
miles with style 
Hehe…it’s funny how the most random things can inspire such deep thoughts! I’m with you, the experiences are part of what made me who I am today but I definitely have no desire to go back to my early 20s! It was fun, but I had a totally different mentality back then…too many shots of tequila, lots of bad dates, and not enough self confidence. I love your list! (And them boots with the fur! 😉 )
OMG that picture brings back so many memories! What a fun night, but I totally agree–I am happy to leave those partying days behind!
Now I understand what happened to all those cameras!
I can dig it! Love this post!
Ha ha! I love that song too! I agree there’s a lot from my early 20s I should have done differently, but then I wouldn’t appreciate what I have now and where I’ve come from. I really liked this post. I’m always inspired that you keep running (both literally and figuratively) through life no matter the obstacles.
The fourth one down and that last one…perfect. However, I can relate with most of these. I love this post 🙂
Oh I’m just about to leave my early 20’s for my late 20’s and I keep thinking about all the things I didn’t know at 20 that I know now…. I definitely wish I had known to put more effort into running