Things I would say to 20 year old me

January 21, 2019

We asked Jon Brown, author of MORE > Real, what he’d tell his younger self. He came back to us with lots of wisdom! 

Learning from your mistakes is a powerful thing. If you can learn from other people’s mistakes before you make them yourself, then even better.

Here are some bits of wisdom I would pass onto my younger self and other young people:

Some friendships will fade

A few friends are for the long haul but most are for a season. Some will drift away; others will become stronger than you ever expected.

Avoid comparison

Jealousy will make you bitter, so celebrate when others get what you want.

Declutter

If you haven't used it in a year get rid of it – you won’t miss it.

Embrace being single

There are advantages to being in a relationship and advantages to being single. Embrace the season you’re in.

Don’t have a sense of entitlement

Don’t assume things will fall in your lap. It won’t always work out. You’ll have to work hard.

Journal

Spend time writing out your thoughts and prayers - it will help you process and later reflect on all that God has done.

Experiences are more valuable than things

Travel, go on walks, have parties, create meaningful memories.

You’ll get over heartbreak

It’s rough at the time but you will eventually move on.

Don’t forget family

Honour your parents by keeping in touch.

Set up a budget

It will help you give well, save well, and spend well.

Try different hairstyles

It’s a good time to find out what works and what doesn’t.

Don’t confuse Christians with God

When Christians and church leaders disappoint and hurt you, remember that God is still good and being in a church community is still so important.

Be accountable

Find someone you can confess to and will challenge you.

Be patient

Things don’t necessarily work out as you expected so you may need to adjust your expectations along the way.

Don’t be afraid to question friends who are dating

Not all relationships are the right thing. If you have serious concerns about close friends, sharing them is the most loving thing you can do.

Forgive

If your parents, boss, ex, friend has hurt you don’t hold onto bitterness. Praying that God will bless them is hard but massively helps forgive and heal.

A job doesn't have to be forever

Don’t put too much pressure on your first job working out. Tons of people will change within the first few years.

No one has it all together

Everyone is flawed and trying to work out life. Be kind to yourself. Chill and talk openly about your flaws.

Trust God

Sometimes you’ll get why things happened, often you won’t. Trust that he’s working all things for good.