I just watched Charlie Day (of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fame) deliver the 2014 commencement address at his alma mater, Merrimack College.  Now we all know stars are nothing like the rest of us (thanks Us Weekly for helping me realize this), but I was inspired by some of his closing remarks.  He spoke about taking risks.  “You cannot let a fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing what’s going to make you great,” he said. “You cannot succeed without this risk of failure. You cannot have a voice without the risk of criticism and you cannot love without the risk of loss.”  So true.

Being that it’s been 10 years since I graduated from college, I find myself doing quite a bit of reflecting lately.  Reflecting on things I’ve achieved, lessons I’ve learned, and wondering what the future holds.  So in conclusion; I don’t know where I’m going, but I sure know where I’ve been…gee, that’s sounds awfully familiar.  🙂  Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that I would tell my younger self.

People will try to discourage you. Don’t let them.

Worrying about what other people think of you is a waste of time and energy.

Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable, it means you’re learning and growing.

The struggle is part of the story.

Shots are never a good idea.

Have more than you show and speak less than you know.

Invest in yourself.

Don’t look for roommates on Craigslist.

Save some of your money.

Don’t quit your dream.

Wear more sunscreen and more importantly, avoid the tanning bed.

Ask for more money, get paid what you’re worth.

Stay weird.
What did I miss?  What would you tell your younger self?