What I Know Now, That I Wish I Knew Then
By Carolyn
I am Empowered & Poised… because I’ve learned that if you don’t respect yourself, no one else will either. I think growing up as a girl in our society is hard, because there is so much pressure to be one way or another. As a young girl, it’s so easy to want to fit in and not know how to say no, but trust me, the sooner you learn that fitting in and always saying yes is miserable, the better. I still remember my third-grade teacher having an Albert Einstein quote hanging on the wall, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” What a smart guy that Albert Einstein... Being true to yourself, to others, to the world is better than being popular.
Recently as I’ve been reflecting about turning 25 this week (!!), I’ve been thinking about where I thought I’d be now 10 years ago. I thought I’d be married, own a house, have my dream career, maybe a kid or two, so on and so forth… guess what? I don’t have any of those things! YET.
Believe me, the pressure to get married and have kids is so real! What I’ve learned in my 25 years of life is to stop comparing yourself to others. Easier said than done, but it’s totally OK that I haven’t yet completed the puzzle of what I thought my life would be now 10 years ago. It’s also totally OK if you have gotten married, do have kids, and do own a house. Why? Because we are all on our own, unique, journey that we are constantly altering; and that is a beautiful thing.
What have I done in my 25 young years of life? I’ve made a difference in people’s lives and that’s all I’ve really ever strived for.
I guess what I’m saying is don’t feel bad because you are different than the person sitting next to you or if you don’t feel like the most beautiful Belle at the ball. I’m sure it sounds cliché and such a ‘mom’ thing to say… but honestly each and every one of you is special and important and beautiful and don’t ever let anyone tell you differently!
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Every day is not peaches and cream, we know that… but every day is worth celebrating.
I am also Empowered & Poised because of the great support system around me. No one can be a #bossbabe all on their own. Find your support, whether it be God, family, friends, or all three and tell them your goals, let them hold you accountable, but also let them help you achieve your dreams.
Some of the best things that have happened to me was when I went out on a limb. Take the risk. There’s no better time to start than today!
Keep dreaming. Pursue your passions, whole-heartedly.
Love what makes you unique. You are beYOUtiful.
About the Author
Carolyn Kriebel is a new 25-year-old whose greatest passion is people. She loves new experiences and enjoys a great plated brunch. Carolyn is a 2015 alum of John Carroll University, a Cleveland marketing professional, and owner of Everyday Celebrations, a start-up event planning company. Check out Everyday Celebrations at http://www.everydaycelebrations.party/.
