How would I describe my 18-year-old self?! SAVAGE. Confused. Opportunistic. Ambitious. Outspoken. Arrogant. Motivated. Daring. I had a solid number of positive characteristics, but an equally as important number of character flaws. I never had clearly defined plans or goals growing up, all I knew is that I wanted to have as many unique experiences as possible, and to make a difference in the world. 

Today, I’m going to discuss a couple of pieces of actionable advice, gems of knowledge, that I would share with my sometimes hard-headed 18-year-old self, with hopes that my words wouldn’t fall on deaf ears. 

Quote: The advice I would give to my younger self is very, very simple: Stop burning the candle at both ends and renew your estranged relationship with sleep. You will be more productive, more effective, more creative, and more likely to enjoy your life. - Arianna Huffington

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. Looking back, it’s so easy to connect the dots between experiences, I’m able to understand how each decision I made progressed to the next phase, the next chapter. I’d tell 18 year old mRuddo that you can plan ahead, and you should, but the best laid plans of MICE and MEN often go astray . . . in plain English, shit doesn’t always pan out the way you envisioned. That’s the hard thing about hard things. However hard you thought it was going to be, it’s going to be harder. However long you thought the journey would be, it’s going to be longer. 

Embrace the curveballs, don’t resist them. It could be the universe giving you a sign, opportunity does knock sometimes. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Live life with open arms, plan for your plans to be fucked up, you’re on the right track, even if it doesn’t seem like it.

Don’t pigeonhole yourself. Don’t drink so much alcohol. Don’t stay up so late. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t disrespect your parents. Don’t waste your time. Don’t be a shithead. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t believe everything you read. Don’t get involved in drama.

Be more grateful. Be inquisitive. Spend more time with your family. Take care of your mental health. Meditate. Eat healthy. Take more pictures. Journal about your day. Find a mentor, sooner. Read more often. Chase what you don’t know. Be interesting. Be kind. Discover yourself.

https://mruddo.com