#Letterstomyyoungerself: 30’s to 20’s

If you are a regular IBG reader (which stands for Inspired by Glory….just in case you were wondering), you’d know we love featuring letters to our younger (and older selves). Typically we find those letters provide a space for shared learning for our readers and also a space for reflection on the things that matter to us!

We spotted this list of 13 things  30-something year old women would want to share with women in their 20s on Huffington post but also added a few of ours for good measure.

1. Get rid of your skinny jeans, they’re an unnecessary struggle.

2. Do whatever you can to avoid judging other women. You don’t know what kind of mother you will be, or what kind of daughter you will be to an aging parent, or a friend to someone who needs it, until you are. Be accepting to your fellow women who are all just trying to do their best.

3. Put money in your 401k (for us in Nigeria and/0r Africa, that means SAVE SAVE SAVE and SAVE). Even if it’s just a little every paycheck — and even if you feel broke right now — you’ll be glad you did.

4. But when you do spend money, keep in mind that you’ll remember your 20s based on experiences you’ve had more than stuff you bought. Travel and spend time with family and friends.

5. Figure out the reproductive and birth control choices that are best for you. Don’t spend years uninformed about IUDs or your own cycle.

6. It’s okay to whittle down your friendships to the few core people you need. Don’t feel badly about falling out of touch with everyone. Sometimes the few friends who stick around are who you’ll really grow with and depend on for years to come.

7. Don’t judge older women for spending money on eye cream and other expensive facial products. When you see your first under eye wrinkle… you’ll get it.

8. Quit smoking — and always wear sunblock.

9.  The person you choose to spend your life with is the most important career decision you will make. Your life will be significantly harder if you don’t have someone who believes in your path as much as you do.

10. Say yes to as many new experiences you possibly can, but limit the amount of commitments in your life that don’t work for you. If you’re spending your time trying to please other people, you’ll wind up with nothing to give yourself.

11. It’s okay to be nice and pleasant and still be professional, but don’t let people take advantage of you — and STOP APOLOGIZING.

12. Don’t worry so much. Ninety percent of the sh** you spend your time fretting about really, truly doesn’t matter.

13. And just wear the damn bikini

Here are a few the IBG team wanted to share with you

14. Learn to love your body….it will thank you later

15. Practice self validation, no one should have the power to validate you

16. No one can complete you. You complete yourself

17. Practice learning, education (not just in the classroom) will broaden your mind

18. Love and appreciate your parents

19. Dont be afraid of being alone

20. You REALLY do have the power to create your future…REALLY!

Any more advice? Drop us a note in the comment section!