You couldn’t pay me enough to go back to age 20.

There’s something to be said for gaining at least some wisdom as you go. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped caring so much what other people think.

But that said, if I could sit down with my 20-year-old self right on the cusp of one of the biggest decisions I’d ever make, here’s what I would tell her. 

1. There is no such thing as perfection.
2. No one knows what the hell they’re doing. Everyone’s just figuring it out.
3. You are not inferior to anyone. 
4. Treat yourself like the most important person in the world – because you are.
5. That thing you want to do so badly you can taste it? That’s what you’re meant to do, regardless of what anyone tells you. 
6. You are not in control of anything.
7. Question everything. 
8. Don’t let anyone else’s path become your path. YOU are the creator of your universe.
9. You know more than you think you do.
10. Just do the thing you want to do. Imperfectly, with enthusiasm and repeatedly. 
11. Don’t waste so much damn time worrying. There’s probably nothing you can do anyway. (See #6.)
12. You are perfect exactly as you are. Also, see #1. 
13. Your individuality is not something to hide – it’s something to shout from the rooftops.
14. Never dim your light to make someone else feel better.
15. Take up space. You deserve it.
16. You are worthy.
17. Use your voice. Speak up. Do it loudly. 
18. Be kind, but have boundaries.
19. Spend a lot of time figuring out what YOU like/want/don’t want. Then act accordingly.
20. You are the only person who can tell your story.