20 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 20

This blog is taken from a letter I wrote to my sister, Eliza for her 20th birthday. Eliza is living in Argentina right now, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She's young and full of life, but sometimes she can get discouraged, so I wrote her this letter to bring her a little joy and light for her birthday. Enjoy!

Eliza in Santa Fe, Argentina

Dear Eliza,

Happy Birthday! I’m so sad you won’t be here to celebrate with me, but I’m happy that you’re serving the Lord and doing what you love. The most important thing you can do (or anyone can do) is the work of the gospel, and that’s what you’re doing right now. I thought that since you’re turning 20, I would share with you 20 things I wish I knew when I was 20.

1. This is the skinniest you’ll ever be, so stop hating on your body and enjoy all the foods you won’t be able to have when your metabolism slows down.
2. Friendship is important. Make friends with everyone! There are so many good things to learn and fun relationships to build right now.
3. Family is more important. Don’t forget to build relationships with your siblings and cousins during this phase of life. Friends, school, jobs, all those things are temporary, but family is forever. 
4. Marriage is the next big step you’ll be taking in life. It’s definitely important, but don’t forget to enjoy being single!
5. Pray, read the scriptures, and drink a lot of water every day.
6. Stop worrying about what everybody else thinks about your major or your apartment or your clothes or your skin. Nobody cares as much as you think they do.
7. Learn to manage your time. Use your planner, your computer, your phone, or even a sticky note. Become one of those people who does the things they say they’ll do.
8. Look for opportunities to serve other people, especially people who bug you. It’s the easiest way to see the positive qualities in other people.
9. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Especially when it comes to your personal style. This is your 20s! You’re supposed to dye your hair, wear trendy lipstick, get bangs, and go on weird diets. You don’t have to be so mature all the time.
10. Choose to be optimistic. Find ways to see the positive in every situation. Cultivate the ability to express sadness/displeasure in a positive, solution-minded way.
11. Develop your people skills. If you can learn to make conversation with anyone, you’ll be more successful in your job, in your calling, in your marriage, etc.
12. Don’t pick at your zits.
13. Learn to say NO. Say no to dates, no to situations that make you uncomfortable, and say no to opportunities that you don’t have the time or energy for.
14. Write down your goals. You’ll be surprised when you look back in 5 years how many of your goals you’ve accomplished.
15. Buy a pair of outrageous shoes. This goes along with #7, but you’re only young once, you can get away with wearing red heels. So go for it!
16. Take lots of pictures. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to document happy moments.
17. STOP LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE. Interact with real people.
18. Spend lots of time in quiet meditation/prayer, talking to Heavenly Father. Ask Him what He wants you to do with your life. Listen to Him.
19. Keep a notebook. Record your thoughts, ideas, and feelings there. Always be prepared to write down important thoughts and information.
20. Be happy! Be kind! Choose the right!

I love you so much and I’m so happy for all your hard work in your mission. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I’ll see you soon!

♡♡♡

Rebecca