CarrieDaway

My twenties treated me well. I don’t have a complaint in the world. I spent most of the decade with Danny. I developed a great relationship with Mom and repaired my relationship with B. I’ve had good jobs and met the best people. I have AMAZING friends/family and made great memories.  And Lucas is the best thing I could ever ask for.

But with age comes wisdom and what is a blog if not to (over)share? Here are some of the things I’d encourage others to do in their 20s.

Make time for friends and family

Life is crazy for everyone so don’t use it as an excuse. It can be hard sometimes but I never regret making time for a phone call, visit or get together. My Aunt Sharon died unexpectedly but I called her the day before she passed and I’m so glad I did. I was on a bus and it was a short call but she knew I was thinking of her and I told her I loved her. I miss her every day but I know I took the time for our relationship when she was here and have no regrets. There are no guarantees in life, don’t take time with loved ones for granted because even if it feels like you have all the time in the world, it goes by quick.

Work hard and work well

In school, in internships and on the job, I work hard. I work ahead and get the job done well. I keep an eye out for needs and offer to assist. I established relationships with professors, supervisors and bosses to learn and improve. I’m still working on the money part of the equation but I’ve had two jobs created for me and I always have references. Work isn’t always fun but you don’t usually get to go to work for fun – you go for money and the ability to lead the life you want. Sometimes slackers get ahead in life but people who work hard always do.

Set goals

I get teased for being a planner but one way or another I’ve made my big goals. I have a family, a house, a job and no debt. You can’t plan for every single thing because life happens but it’s important to know the big picture and work for that. I went to college thinking I’d be high school history teacher, I’ve ended up doing marketing/communications. I’m not in the career I thought I’d be in but the big picture goal was to have a job that allowed me to have a family and gave me room to grow – I have that. At most points in life I thought I’d never achieve the goals I’d set but I never stopped working for them anyway and somehow it keeps working out.

Do good

If someone asks me to do something and I’m capable of doing it, I do it – even if I don’t want to. Sometimes especially when I don’t want to because that means I’m losing my focus and need to get back on track. It’s so easy to be selfish and do what’s easy, convenient and in your best interest but that doesn’t make the world better and we need to make the world better. We can’t all do big things but we can all do small things to brighten the days of the people around us.