Guest Post — From Down Under

Today’s guest post comes all the way from Australia. I can’t remember how or when I found Sami’s blog, Life, Laughs & Lemmings, but I know that I’ve been reading it every day since. It’s uplifting, funny, and inspiring all at once. After you read Sami’s guest post, be sure to stop by her blog. You’re sure to enjoy it!

The Advice I Would Have Given Myself When I Turned 21

When I was 21 my priority was where will I get my next beer from and whether I should wear jeans or a skirt. I was hardly focused on loftier issues like world peace, global warming or even making family a priority.

Actually when I think back to me as a 21 year old, it gives me the heebie jeebies. Life was all about worrying what others thought, fitting in, achieving good grades, being cool and making tough decisions like where will I get my next beer from and what am I going to do with my life?

Now, I’m no Confucius or Dalai Lama but I’d like to think I’ve collected some wisdom during my 35 years (despite the loss of I don’t know how many thousands of brain cells from beer consumption).

And, if through some Back to the Future Past time-travel type miracle, I could transport myself back to when I was 21, here’s the advice I’d give myself;

image via

1. For the love of god Sami, put down that beer!
2. You’re going to go through some tough times, but just know you will survive and great things await on the other side.
3. The best revenge is to live well.
4. Don’t worry, you’ll get a boyfriend. Actually, you‘ll get a husband. Actually, make that two!
5. Speaking of not worrying, don’t. Worry is a useless energy sapping emotion that doesn‘t affect the outcome anyway. Replace worry with trust. Whatever happens, good or bad, always works out somehow. Trust that this is so.
6. Don’t be sad to leave your 20’s. Your 30’s are some of the best years of your life (so far).
7. Don’t let anyone and I mean anyone tell you you’re not worthy, beautiful and amazing just the way you are. You are all of those and more just for having been born.
8. No matter what, do not, under any circumstances convince yourself that a perm is a good idea or that MC Hammer parachute pants looks hot. It isn’t and they’re not. Trust me on that.
9. You are stronger than you know, braver than you think and as tenacious as a bull dog. Remember that when you need.
10. You know how you won that short story award in grade 12? Well, that’s a clue as to your passion and purpose.
11. Know what’s important in life and live like they are important. Your health, your family, your true friends and your compassion should be at the top of the list.
12. Don’t get hung up on what people think of you. It’s far more important and rewarding to stay true to yourself and treat others how you’d like to be treated. Have an opinion, speak your mind, be assertive, have confidence, stand up for yourself, don’t judge and show compassion.
13. Don’t study so hard. Yes, I realise this is your favourite piece of advice so far, but truly, it really won’t matter if you don’t graduate with honours. While I’m at it, don’t work so hard either. Stop and smell the roses.
14. Don’t compromise your values for any person, job or situation.
15. Treat your body like a temple. It’s going to get you through some tough situations, take you to some amazing places and show you what you’re capable of. Yes, I realise there is water in beer and no, beer is not a feasible substitution for water.
16. Imperfection is the new black. Perfectionism steals time, energy and freedom.
17. Chase your dreams. They may be fast and have a head start but chase them anyway. A life without dreams is like spaghetti without parmesan cheese – bland.
18. Hollywood has as much depth as a Petri dish, supermodels are as normal as anchovy flavoured ice cream and there is no such thing as an anti-wrinkle cream, fat busting tablets or cellulite dissolving lotion. And no brand of shampoo or conditioner will make your hair look the same as in the ads.
19. Please drive carefully. In a few years time you will lose a friend in a car accident.
20. Appreciate the time you have left with your grandparents.
21. Take care of the environment. It’s the only one you have.

Sami in Macchu Pichu!

Tagged as: guest post