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. Time. I always felt that time was running out. I had this feeling that I have to get in now or I’m never getting in. There was more of a sense of urgency that you really make your mark regarding what you want to do. I’m blown way by 20 year olds who know what they want to do and are serious about it… but don’t feel like a failure if you decide to take a little more time figuring it all out.
2. Perspective. I wish I had more perspective in my twenties. It was just playtime. My husband and I were the first of our friends to get married. We were 24 and had a giant wedding. I always think about what if we didn’t spend all that money on our wedding and all that extravaganza? We could have had a kitchen. We grew together but we were in a play zone then. We didn’t have kids for a while. I wish a had a little more direction and the feeling that I had a little bit of purpose. There was no purpose back then.
3. Be the first of your friends to get married or the last because then you know you are doing it for your own reasons charter than its the next think to do….if you get married at all!