A letter to my 23-year old self

Dear Nina,

First things first: put down that article you found on the internet written by a random bloke saying, your net worth is the average of the net income of people you surround yourself with.

You don't need that shit right now.

Breathe. Take a moment to look at what's around you, go for a walk, and ask that kind lady selling empanadas how her day is. And listen. Just listen.

And then imagine what it's like to be her: probably in her early 30's with an income south of $1 a day that she has to stretch for her family of four.

She's the person that you should listen to.

Not Adam the faceless guy from somewhere who lived a different life and was asked by his editor pressed for a deadline to write something about A Quick Way To Increase Your Value. His experience is irrelevant to you.

Now, that that's out of the way, let's get down to business. Here's what you need to do:

1. Accept that you can't get the stuff that you want. Yet.

You just started and you're broke. Of course, you're broke.
So take that in stride and live within your means.

2. Life is a marathon. Build your stamina.

I know you're scared. You have dreams and it feels like you can't hold them. That it's too far.

So what? You just finished school and only started earning your first paycheck. Things take time to gain traction.

3. Do things that interest you, that spark joy!

You're only 23. You haven't seen a lot yet.

Pace yourself.

All I'm saying is, just do what feels right.

Find a topic that is a definite page-turner for you.

Brains work differently. So just accept your brain and work with it. Feed it with things that keep your interest.

Believe me, you will have a sick feeling in your stomach and a terrible headache when you try to do things that aren't aligned with what makes you happy and relaxed.

4. Keep your friends close. And keep it that way.

Spend time with them. Watch K-dramas together. Laugh together.

You don't know how busy life could get. Or where you'll end up. It's important to spend time with the people that fill up your energy tank. You'll be happy to remember those nights with them just watching one movie after another, I swear.

5. Listen to your mother.

She's seen things. Done things. So listen. And keep an open heart. She's there for you. Always.

Always,

Nina from 2021, who is dedicating this post to her fantastic mother whose birthday is coming up!