Ten years ago, I was a kid. I didn’t want to believe it, but I was.
I had a different mindset at 22 than now, at 32. I had a different life, different goals & values…a completely different view.
I was naive at 22. Thinking that what defined me, what made me a better person, was the number of people I shared my life with…the clothes, the image, who people wanted me to be. I shopped like a madwoman, racked up my credit cards, made friends with people who weren’t good for me. I didn’t know who I was, I was still finding my way…slowly, but ever so surely.
Now at 32, I’m not the same person that I used to be. Fear used to limit me at 22 when I didn’t allow myself to embrace “me”…fear drives me now…to live, to not have regrets. I’m finally at a place where I know who I am, and what I want. Who I want to share my life with, and what goals I want for myself. I never want to stop learning, and everything I do…I want it to be an example for my daughters.
I don’t regret the way I used to be….the mistakes I made, the people I met. And I don’t want my children to look for perfection, and strive for a life without mistakes. The mistakes, the bad decisions…that’s life, that’s what makes this whole journey beautiful.
Cheers to growing young…to making mistakes, and embracing you!
xo, Louise
* If you’re enjoying Laid Off Mom, show me your love on our Facebook Fan Page, subscribe to the blog on the sidebar, and follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram: @laidoffmom
I LOVE reading your blogs mama
Thx Jessalyn! Glad you’re enjoying! XO
It’s amazing how much we grow and change in 10 years! 10 years ago, I was 18 , so you can imagine how much different I am now, lol!
I think it is good to change as we get older, in a positive way. I know some people that never change. They still act like a kid at 40, 50, etc…
~Lisha
Yes!! 10 years flew by fast! And change is good…in a positive way of course! I believe that those who don’t open themselves up to change, can get stuck and possibly rot =P Reflection is good for the soul, makes you a better person =) XO
Great reflections on how you’ve grown and changed! I thought the 20′s were great, and the 30′s are even better! Yay for chocolate… do you prefer milk or dark?
I like my 30′s too!! I thought I might’ve been the only one! =P I love Milk CHOCOLATE!! =) yumm!! XO
Thanks Louise, I love getting to know you better. You are so beautiful, inside/out. Funny how time, motherhood, changes us. I should do a similar exercise, no doubt I’d be surprised by my own changes in thought & taste.
Thanks for sharing, dearest.
You are too sweet Janae! I’m glad you’re getting to know me through these posts. Everytime I write a reflective post like this, I always write from my heart with honesty. I’m glad you can see that =) Yes! Do a reflection exercise, it’ll make you appreciate yourself and bring you peace…this post has done just that for me =) So happy to share this! XO
Happy Belated Birthday! I love the intersection between your life now and your life ten years ago. Some things are just a part of who we are! May you live a long fulfilling life
Thk you May! =) Exactly, regardless of all the past mistakes, decisions, etc.. I dont regret them or try to forget them…they were/are a part of me. Thx for the warm wishes! XO
what a great post! I can definitely relate to that when i think back ten years ago where my mindset was…things definitely change for the better I think. Experience leads to maturity and wisdom. Happy Belated Birthday
Thx Christine! I’m glad you were able to related to this post. I was a lil’ hesitant to write it at first, but I’m glad I did. Thx for the bday wishes also! XO
I really love this post, since I’m 23 currently. Curious as to how I’ll be when I’m 33. Remind me to do a post like this in 10 years
Glad you liked it Mel! I will def. remind u in 10 years! hehe
Happy Birthday Louise! It’s crazy how much we can change in 10 years, even 5 years. And I think it’s true, that we do get better as we get older. Can’t wait to see how having kids will change me even more, I know for sure it will make me less selfish & more loving. Looking forward to those days
Thx Katie!! Yes, having children does change you…and in my case, for the better! Looking forward to swapping parenting stories when your moment arrives =) XO