ThrivingLilly

When I was 21 I thought I had it pretty together, I was going to college, had a boyfriend, had a job and some great friends! But you know that feeling when you feel like you should be happy but your not? That was me all the time. I was like, is that it? Is this everything I’ll ever have in life?
Fast forward 6 years and I’m married (!) working from home, and not just because of the pandemic, but because my job is literally remote, I have a wonderful apartment and friends and family who love me. I know I’m so lucky to be able to have found my person, but of course it didn’t come without work! If I could go back and tell my 21 year old self or any 21 year old anything, it’d be to figure out what you want to do and work for it! It might change from being a fashion designer to being a book author, but everyone needs to try things. I do however highly recommend at least going to a trade school or a community college to help get your goals started!
I would also tell myself to look around and take in every moment at college or with my friends because so soon people will move away or you yourself will get busy and not be able to hang out or go out like you once did. Calling my friend saying I’m 5 minutes away from their house is a thing of the past. Now I have to make plans in advance, or risk them not being there.
When I was 21 I was always trying to figure out what was going to make me happy, but never stopped to look around and notice that I was happy! 6 years later I always try to look around and appreciate the moment, whether surround by friends and family or simply watching a movie with my husband or even getting up to go to work. I know so many people wish they could see their loved ones once more or go to work again but we are extremely lucky! Yes of course I’d love a house and a dog and maybe a new car, but for everything I do have, I’m happy! Not because I have a million new fancy things or because I’m where I want to be in life (because I am not!) but because I have learned that what I have is what someone is aching for. Maybe it’s the pandemic talking but one thing I know for sure is your happiness is based on your outlook and not on what is actually in front of you.