What three “gifts” would you give a 20-something if you were a “Forty-Godmother”? 40-something women share three things to help a 20-something get a head start on the confidence to make decisions that are right for themselves. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda.
1. Be prepared to be surprised. I was a control freak in my my twenties. I wanted to be in control but I was not in control. You can’t be In control of life. You have to be flexible to a degree. You can still take on “uncertain” challenges at twenty — a new city, taking a job that is not the job you thought you wanted or a job you dreamed of but doesn’t pay as much — and learn from the experience without as many repercussions.
2. Be careful about being with someone because they give you legitimacy for a character trait you aspire to. If you don’t earn confidence for yourself, the relationship will be hard to maintain in the long run. No one else can do it for you.
3. A mirror for your insides. Take care of your body and soul. Start now. Yu may be able to get away with bad habits but if you start now it will be a lot easier for you to live well when you do need it.