12 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in Life

Celebrate

What comes to mind when you think about the month of March? St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness for my basketball fans, or perhaps spring time and pastels. When I think about March I think about the changing of seasons, I think of fun and celebration (I mean who could not have fun on St. Paddy’s day). Therefore, for this Month we will enjoy a collection of fun stories from yours truly centering around the theme for March which is CELEBRATE. Who knows, I may even throw a guest in there. Sit back, enjoy your weekly inspo but most of all, plan fun into your schedule this month. We all work very hard, so take some time to visit a new bar, meet with friends, do something that makes you smile. It’s a new season, let’s celebrate the present and things to come!

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Dear Wednesday,

This week we will celebrate growing in maturity and wisdom. What better way to celebrate this monumental and continuous feat, than to talk about the things I wish I knew earlier in life. Strap in, this may be a little crazy.

Strap in... this may get a little crazy

I cannot say that I have reached full perfection.. yet lol (that's not real life), but I can say that I still have much, much more to learn. In my 30-plus years on this earth I have come to recognize a few things that would have helped in life if I had the maturity (or desire), [insert cringe face here] to look, listen and learn.

Let's start with the should-have, could-have, would-haves... just don't go there . Really it's not helpful to where you are or where you are going.

Now, the list of things I wish I knew sooner could be miles long at this point, but I am going to share 12 things that I found important to my journey. I would also love for everyone who is reading this letter to sign up on our website and leave a comment under this Dear Wed about things you wish you knew earlier in life. I would love to hear from you!!

12 things I Wish I Knew Earlier in Life

1. Pay attention to the Influencer's in your life (Parents, Family, Leaders, Teachers, ets..).

There is a wealth of wisdom that can be gained from just watching how people live.

2. Going to college does not automatically equal wealth.

Sad but true. How many people do you know making below $35,000 a year with a college degree??? You must also seek experience and opportunity, if you can't find it make your own opportunity.

3. The fairy tale love story is not real, even if you think your story will break the mold.

Okay, I am not being a Debbie Downer here. There are some beautiful true love stories out there. However, at some point that story involved clashing, disagreement, and the general conflict that naturally occurs when you are getting to know someone new. All of these things are normal and healthy. The question is, do you want to commit your life to a fairy tale or something real?

4. No, you do not need to start dieting.

Point Blank Period. Diets are short term, if you need to learn about healthy eating then pursue knowledge in that area. If your eating issues are more severe and stem from underlying issues, then seek help for those things. Whatever you do, please do not subject yourself to short term results for a quick endorphin trip. DO it well, so that you will maintain your healthy lifestyle. Key word ... Healthy.

5. People, loved ones, friends will enter and exit your life and it's okay.

People will pass away, and friendships will morph or maybe even end. Not to be too gloomy here, but these transitions, while painful at times, are also a part of life and inevitable. Sometimes the ending of a relationship is the best thing that could have happened. Or maybe the relationship did not end but it went through a transformation process. Whatever the case, understand that life is full of transitions and we must learn to navigate them in a healthy way.

6. Adulting should not be looked at as menacing threat coming to steal your Soul.

I mean... I don't know about y'all but it feels good waking up in my own place, living under my own rules. If it takes paying bills to get that then I will just pay the darn bill!

7. Your craziest dreams do have the possibility of becoming reality so don't allow cynicism to creep in.

I am sure Facebook, Apple computers, Electric cars, space shuttles, disposable diapers, hair relaxers, non-dairy milk, I can go on... all sounded crazy before they were created.

So, in the words of Spanx creator Sara Blakely:

"To Me, Failure is NOT trying, rather than not succeeding". ~Sara B.

8. Genuine Humility will take you very far.

Let's define the word Humble:

Courtesy of thefreedictionary.com

Humble: Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit: not arrogant or prideful; Showing deferential or submissive respect

What it does not say is, not recognizing your talents and gifts in order to make yourself feel better about your own insecurities. That is "false" humility.

Oops, did I say that!?

9. Sandpaper people can actually be great self-improvement tools.

Those people who clash with your personality, way of life, attitudes, etc.. We grow as we learn to work with People who are not like us. Comfort never caused anyone to grow.

10. Do not underestimate the wisdom of those who are younger and older than you, or those who have had different life experiences than you. Guess What? This may even include the sandpaper People!

11. Doing or purchasing nice things for yourself is not selfish or boastful.

Every other area in your life will suffer if you do not take care of you first. #selfcare #youmatter #formydernself

By the way, if you enjoy nice things and have the means to get it, do not feel bad for spending the money you worked hard for to get something you want from time to time.

12. Inability to look at yourself and see areas of needed improvement is dangerous and can lead to unhealthy mindsets. Have you heard the Michael Jackson song: "Man in the Mirror"? You can't grow without recognizing that something needs to change.

*Bonus for the 99's and 2000's (some of y'all may not get that reference lol):

You only get one you, love you, cherish you, treat you like you would want someone to treat a loved one.

All of the wisdom nuggets both listed and unlisted start with that understanding. When you value yourself, motivation to pursue dreams, goals, better life, health will grow.

Please remember, this month is about celebration and enjoying each day. While this list represents my personal life experiences. Some of these items may be a current reality for you. If so, reflect!

Ask yourself what you want and if your current actions and relationships are helping you get there?

With that,

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Celebrating!

Happy " I came too far to go back" in my Old Church Mother voice   =)

When Sister Williams and her Friends see the new Assistant Pastor walk in” ~Ashley Marcel

Brought to you by AshleyMarcel

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This Dear Wednesday Letter was hand-crafted by AshleyMarcel an Administrative Guru, Public Health advocate, Graduate Student, Mentor, Motivator and Cultural Enthusiast. Ms. Marcel has worked closely with both men and women both domestically and abroad helping to build stronger communities and healthier people. She has worked in the administrative world for over five years and is currently studying public health research. Look out for Ms. Marcel, there is much more to come! You can find AshleyMarcel on social media @anwilli7 on IG.