A Letter To My 20-Something Self

I can’t believe a quarter of the year is over. Have you kept up with your New Year’s resolutions? I know I haven’t. I spent some time reflecting on what has gone on over the past few months, and it made me think about how much life has changed. New jobs, new friends, and new adventures as a family. Ten years ago, I couldn’t even imagine this is where I would be in my life. But now I wouldn’t it change it for the world. 

Ten years ago, I was just out of college and still looking for my big girl job. I was eager and excited to be a full-fledged adult. But like many millennials, I was a college graduate with a mediocre job and I had to move back home with my parents. I had big dreams for myself! Getting an amazing job, having my own place, and living life to the fullest. I was going out with my friends and we all had grandiose plans for our futures. Some of us were career-driven and ready to take over the world; others were planning to settle down and thinking about marriage and families. I was in the latter group, and at the time, I was still with my college boyfriend. We had made it through the college years, but he wasn’t ready to take the next step. Life happened and we parted ways. 

Looking back, that breakup was a blessing in disguise. It shook my world, but I needed it. I look back over the past 10 years and wish I had changed so many of the decisions I made. Life is full of regrets and mistakes, and my life went in a totally different direction, but I ended up exactly where life wanted me to be.

If I could go back, this is what I would tell the 20-something version of me:

  • Sleep! If you’re not working or hanging out with friends, just sleep. Once you have kids, you will miss this luxury.
  • Take more risks! I’m not a risk taker now that I have kids. But when I was younger and more adventurous, I definitely should have taken more risks. 
  • SEEK your parents’ advice! I know as young adults we think we know everything about how the world works, but we don’t. Ask your parents for their opinions or advice as often as you can. They have experienced so much more than you, and their advice comes from a place of love and experience. 
  • Start creating good habits! It’s never too early to start making good life choices. Start eating healthier, exercising, and taking care of yourself mentally and physically. 
  • Have fun! Life is too short not to enjoy living every day. Don’t be shy; go out and enjoy yourself with your friends. Find friends who will last a lifetime and get ready for the adventures that await you.

I am so grateful for the life and family I have now. Life is far from perfect, but I wouldn’t change anything—it’s perfectly imperfect and that’s exactly how it should be. 

Ashley Chan
Ashley was born and raised in North Texas and settled down in Frisco. She met her husband while playing intramural basketball at UNT. Ashley taught pre-k and then was a trainer for a technology company until having her two sweet boys. She loves cooking, going for walks with the whole family, and exploring new restaurants all over DFW. She's a hardcore Disney lover and loves to explore and travel with her family.