8 Things I'd Tell Myself at 20

Last week at work, my coworkers and I were joking about what it would be like to be 20 again. We were talking about what we'd do differently had we known how we'd feel five to 10 years later. I felt pretty strongly that, if given the opportunity again, I wouldn't go back to being 20. But, if I were to, here's what I'd tell myself:

1. Remember, you're part of something bigger. Whether you're religious or not, the world is so much more than just you and your campus. I know it doesn't feel that way when you're in the college bubble, but you are one part of a much larger body of our human population. Don't live like you're the only one that matters.

2. Wear sunscreen. You really don't need to be that tan. And also, don't go to the tanning bed. Ever. It's the winter in Indiana; it's cool if you're ghostly.

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3. Date nice guys. And keep your standards high. There are way, way too many good people out there to make space in your life for those who aren't kind. (Also, if you're looking for love, check this out).

4. And be friends with nice people. You often become similar to those you spend your time with. Who do you want to grow into?

5. Don't change yourself for people. Being authentic is so much more fun than trying to fit in. And, you glow a whole lot more when you're doing you. 

6. But don't be afraid to change. I remember someone I was friends with in high school told me in college, "you've changed". And it hurt my feelings at the time. Now? I'm thinking: well thank goodness! If I was the same at 22 as I was at 18, I'd wonder what I'd learned the last four years.

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7. Don't forget that you WILL have to answer for the decisions you make in college. I made decisions in college that I wish I hadn't and I've had to reconcile them personally. But that's not always the case. Many people will answer to graduate programs, future employers, etc. Oh, and also, you're representing your family - make your mama proud. 

8. You don't have to figure out your whole future now. Move forward - yes. But know that life is constanlty changing. I've used my major a lot since college, but in different ways than I anticipated. Life is full of beautiful surprises. Don't stress so much about controlling everything - just focus on building the best version of yourself that you can.

life in the garden

This summer, I'm working hard on my green thumb, which has been, historically, disastrously nonexistent. I've had two goals:

Goal one? So far, so good! I ate my first batch of basil last week by way of pesto and it was excellent. I can't wait to try the tomatoes.


Goal two? I can't even. Those hydrangeas need more water than I do, I'll tell you what.

Last week, when I realized they were all brown after me being gone for a week (I should have hired a plant-sitter), Muff had to intervene. She told me to deadhead them. I asked her if I should use scissors or just yank the tops off. She laughed and said definitely scissors.

She told me you have to cut the tops off because, when there are brown flowers, the plant will use all of its resources to rejuvenate them. And, in turn, the other leaves will lose out on the hydration.

As I was cutting the tops off, I got to thinking about how we're kind of the same way. If we don't care for our whole person, and we neglect certain needs and parts of ourselves, they start to go brown and can impact us in so many other ways. Then, it takes a lot more energy to get them back there where they need to be.

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For a long time, I neglected the rest part of myself. I slept way too little, I was never home, I never slowed down. And, even when I was firing on all cylinders in other areas, if I let it go too long without remembering to slow down, my entire life would crumble. And then I'd have a period where I'd have to put it all back together: emotionally, physically, spiritually.

But now, I've learned that I need time alone. I need sleep. I need time to pray, to think, to meditate. I need time to hydrate that part of my life, instead of breaking down and deadheading it.

There are phases of life, I think, where we're forced to put all of our energy toward one thing. During times of recovery, healing, building, creating - those all encompassing things may call for everything we have. And that's OK. In fact, it can be really beautiful. 

But during the every day way of life, it's so important to remember that everything is connected - we have just one mind, body and spirit and all three rely on one another. What we eat, do and say impacts our whole person and, if we let them, allow us to blossom and grow. And that really is beautiful. 

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my kind of atlanta weekend


I went into this weekend with high hopes and a pretty set itinerary. But, as a good Atlanta weekend always does, it surprised me with just enough impromptu activities to leave me happily refreshed. I do love adventuring in this city!

Friday, Chris made me an awesome dinner. He cooked bison burgers, which I've been wanting to try for a while. Paired with a kale salad and avocado & mango salsa - and we feasted! I sipped wine&OJ on the deck while he grilled and couldn't have been happier about it. I.love.summer.



Saturday, Duke and I got up early early to bike the Silver Comet Trail. I'd done it once, but that was just weeks before I did my triathlon and was, admittedly, in better cardio shape. Let's just say it was a good workout. For me. Duke just cruised along. :)


After that, I met up with friends to Shoot the Hooch. Last summer, my Hooch plans were rained out (not once, but twice), which means I hadn't done it since summer 2012. I was itching to get out there. 


We floated for about an hour before a thunderstorm set in - so for the last two hours we were floating amid lighting and mega raindrops. Decidedly, though, if our biggest problem on Saturday was that we got wet while floating the river in our swimsuits, then it's still a pretty dang good day. 

Sunday, Chris and I went to what is easily Atlanta's best kept coffee secret: Chattahoochee Coffee Company. It sits on the river the couldn't be more peaceful. I'm adding it to my Atlanta Bucket List because I think it's going to be a weekend game changer for me. I don't go OTP for a lot, but for a good coffee shop, I will. 


After that, Sunday included church with friends, a nice long walk and meeting up with friends before the World Cup at Cypress Street. 

I wrapped up Sunday night babysitting - fully recharged, relaxed and grateful for two whole days in this wonderful city. Summer life is good life. 

I hope your weekend was lovely! 

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PS: I strongly prefer not to give negative reviews on my blog, but after our experience dealing with Urban Currents, it would be a disservice not to share my recommendation that you should not rent from them in you float the river this year. I'll spare you the details, aside from that they are incredibly disorganized and increased the price so it's now $27.50 to float. If you're going to shoot this year, definitely BYOTube and drop your car off at the end. It's worth the extra effort to avoid the headache.

{summer}

Did you know that Saturday is the longest day of the year? Which is one of my all time favorite days of the year because it has more sunlight than any other day and officially marks the start of summer.

If you didn't know, you should surely act accordingly. Meaning: makes plans to be outside for as much of the day as is humanly possible. 

In honor of the fact that it's really, officially summer, this week I:


1) Went to a Braves game with Chris (Summer Bucket List #8).

2) Worked out before work, instead of at lunch, with Duke. I loved starting the day that way. It just felt summer-right to workout in that fresh AM humidity. 

3) Am biking the Silver Comet trail with Duke this weekend (Bucket List #60). And then having just a huge breakfast at Highland Bakery (Bucket List #131). 

4) Am Shooting the Hooch with some friends Saturday afternoon (Summer Bucket List #1!). 

5) Am wearing my jorts and hoops all the time because even if hoops aren't in style in real life, they're always in style in my summer lyfe.

I hope you have a great start to summer!