Hey there. If I could sit down with 18-year-old me, there’s so much I’d want to say—advice, encouragement, and maybe a few warnings. Life has a way of teaching lessons you never see coming, and hindsight has gifted me a clearer perspective. These are the five things I’d tell my younger self:
1. You’re Not Behind.
At 18, I felt this constant pressure to keep up, like life was a race and I was somehow lagging. If I could go back, I’d remind myself that the “race” isn’t real—or at least, it’s not the same for everyone. Life is long, and it’s uniquely yours. You’re not supposed to follow someone else’s timeline. Comparing yourself to others only distracts you from your own path. Trust me, you’ll get exactly where you’re meant to be, and it’ll make sense when you get there.
2. Get to Know Yourself.
You’ll hear a lot about “self-care” as you get older, but the foundation of that is truly knowing yourself. Be kind to yourself. Show compassion when you stumble. At the same time, hold yourself accountable. Don’t let self-compassion turn into complacency. Balance kindness and accountability, and you’ll discover the kind of self-respect that makes life richer and relationships healthier.
3. You’ll Find Out What It’s Like to “Be Like Everyone Else”… and You Won’t Like It.
There will come a time when you try to blend in, to do what everyone else is doing just to fit the mold. Spoiler alert: it won’t feel right. And that’s a good thing. The sooner you realize that you’re not meant to be like everyone else, the sooner you can embrace who you are. There’s freedom in standing out, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Lean into it—it’s worth it.
4. Your NKU Education Will Go Waaay Up in Value.
You might not fully appreciate it right now, but the time you spend learning and growing at NKU (Northern Kentucky University) will be one of the smartest investments you make. It’ll pay off in ways you can’t even imagine yet. So, soak it all in. Those lessons and experiences will carry more weight than you realize, and they’ll shape you into someone you’ll be proud to be.
5. Time Moves Fast. Be Present.
If there’s one thing I wish I’d learned sooner, it’s how fleeting time really is. Days turn into years in the blink of an eye. The more present you are, the more you’ll appreciate each moment as it comes. Don’t wait for “someday” to enjoy your life. Be here now. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a meaningful conversation, or just the feeling of the sun on your face, these moments are your life. Don’t miss them by rushing ahead or dwelling on the past.
If I could share just one more thing, it would be this: life is a process, not a destination. You don’t have to have it all figured out by a certain age—or ever, really. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s growth, discovery, and learning to love the journey.
So, what would you tell your younger self? It’s a question worth reflecting on. Maybe you’d remind them to take risks, follow their dreams, or laugh more. Or maybe you’d just tell them they’re doing better than they think.