10 Things I Learned in the 2010's
It's 2020 guys! A new decade! It's been a wild ride these last ten years, and I feel like I've really matured and grown-up. I grated college moved to Philly in my first apartment, moved back to Massachusetts, met my husband, started my business, got married, and adopted two amazing little pups!
So, let's start with 10 things that I've learned over the last ten years. While there have been so many more, these are the lessons that really stick out to me.
1. Family, family, family
When I went away to college, I was under the impression that everyone had family dinners, parents went to soccer games, you shared things with your parents, and your sibling was your best friend. I quickly learned that my family life was actually pretty unique. I definitely took it for granted for the first 18 years of my life.
Now don't get me wrong, my family life was never perfect. I can honestly say I could be a brat when I was younger, my mom and I would argue, and my brother and I pretty much-fought every day for the first 15 years of our lives. But, it was little things, and my dad always said to never go to bed angry, so, by the end of the day, we were good.
My family has always been my biggest supporters, and I really value our relationship now. My parents and brother are my best friends, and I absolutely love spending time with them.
2. Unfortunately, it's true...patience is a virtue
I think I can apply this saying to every area of my life. I have never been one to be patient, but it really does pay off.
Right out of college, I was really stressed about finding a job. I was applying to places, but I wasn't getting anywhere. I ended up taking about two months to find the right job for me, which actually took me relocating to Philly. I didn't know it at the time, but I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made because that is where I met Mike.
For years, I was always the friend that wasn't in a relationship. I really just focused on school and being with my friends. I never actually felt the need to be in a relationship, because I didn't find someone I could actually see myself with. I looked at it in the sense of, if it's not going to be long term, why would I want to waste the small amount of free time on someone that I cant actually see it going somewhere with?
You probably know the story by now, so I won't go into detail, but, I met Mike at literally the worst time I could think of. It was just a few days before I was moving back to Massachusetts, and this guy (who I had seen every single morning in the gym might I add), decided that that day seemed like a great day to finally come to talk to me. It was after our first date I knew. I know it sounds corny, but I knew that this was the guy that I had been waiting for.
3. Work hard, play hard
Hard work was instilled in me from very early on. My dad has been my mentor when it comes to working. At a very young age, he was always coaching my brother and me on life lessons. As much as I hated them at the time, I really see how valuable they were.
As much as hard work is important, you need balance. While I was in college, I had a crazy course load. I was majoring in sustainable interior design, but I also wanted a business minor, so I was taking extra classes. My classes ran from 8am-5pm every day. On top of that, I was on the crew team (for the first couple of years until I was injured), and had practice in the morning, and would need to wake up at 4am to get to the lake by 5am. After class, I worked at the mall a few days a week from 6pm-11pm, so I could make a little bit of money while in school. I would get home around 11:30, and I would stay up until about 2am working on homework. So, I basically had a very small window for free time let alone sleep time.
I carried this mentality for the first couple of years that Mike and I were together. I was working full time at an architecture firm, but I was also working on my side business. It's something that I still continue to work on, but I have gotten better over the years. I've learned that it's okay to work really hard, and then take a day off, go hiking with our little pup, and enjoy life.
4. Confidence is key
I was very, very insecure growing up. I never felt like I truly fit in. I did have a couple of amazing friends, and I felt comfortable around them, but other than that, I felt like I just was never good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, you name it.
I don't think that I started to learn self-confidence until I moved out on my own and moved to Philly. I didn't know anyone who lived there, so I had to make new friends and relationships. I think getting away from all of the "noise" allowed me to really mature and grow up. I started to realize that who really cares what other people think about me, and why does what someone else thinks about me matter? As long as I was a good, nice person, I shouldn't care what someone else's opinion about me is.
5. All you need is a handful of great friends
Throughout my life, I have had the best of friends. Friends who are there for you, friends who would do anything for you, and friends who just make you laugh for no reason. My dad always commented on how I always seemed to have great friends throughout my life. I think I get that discernment from my mom. She always seems to have this sixth sense about people.