By Anita Manley

I recently posted a throwback photo of myself on Facebook (see below). It really spoke to me and I started thinking, oh what I wish I’d known then. So, I decided to write a blog about it. I originally thought I would write 25 things, but the list grew larger. Here are 35 things, I wish I’d known when I was 25:

1. Practice patience. (As my mother always said, “Good things come to those who wait.”)
2. Practice self-love. Be kind and gentle with yourself.
3. Get rid of the negative self-talk track going on in your mind.
4. Hobbies are not a waste of time, they are wellness tools! Really!
5. Read a book for enjoyment.
6. Walk daily.
7. Join a group/club/team/class to have fun and meet new friends.
8. Volunteer doing something you enjoy.
9. “This too shall pass.” The good times, and the bad.
10. Be yourself – nothing more, nothing less – You are good enough!
11. You are worthy of love.
12. Keep busy, but calm your mind.
13. Have a daily routine.
14. Practice mindfulness.
15. Enjoy your alone time. Don’t be afraid to be alone.
16. Pay yourself first (save and invest).
17. Relax – learn methods to keep your anxiety in check.
18. Believe in yourself. “You’ve got this”.
19. Trust your gut.
20. Some things are better left unsaid.
21. Always use the sandwich approach when communicating with people regarding a difficult situation.
22. When angry – go for a walk, write in a journal. Take time to digest and calm down before discussing. You can’t take those words back.
23. Compare yourself, to yourself – not to others.
24. Learn to love and appreciate your body.
25. Don’t be afraid to feel all of the emotions. You don’t have to be “happy” all of the time.
26. Journal!
27. Have an attitude of gratitude!
28. Stop blaming others. Take personal responsibility!
29. Have compassion for yourself and others.
30. Stop worrying about things beyond your control.
31. Continue to do your best and be satisfied with that.
32. Aim for progress, not perfection.
33. Breathe!
34. Take care of yourself first so you can truly take care of others.
35. Surround yourself with people who hold similar core values.