I spent the weekend with some of my younger sorority sisters for their recruitment weekend. As always, it was wonderful to connect with them and to hear what’s in their hearts as they prepare to welcome new members to our sisterhood. While it was refreshing and inspiring, it also got me to think about what I was like at 18 so I wanted to share some of the great pieces of advice to my 18 year old self. Plus, be sure to scroll to the bottom for a chance to win a $700 Target gift card!
What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? The good & bad: Click To TweetThis post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Thank you for your support of What Nicole Wore.
Featured | Advice to My 18 Year Old Self:
Advice to My 18 Year Old Self | the Serious:
- No one really knows what they’re doing so be easy on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, worries about making the right decisions, and is scared of messing up.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. First off, being a people pleaser sucks, but also this is your time to be reckless {to a degree.}
- And since now’s your chance to make safe mistakes, don’t be afraid to try new things. Exiting your comfort zone will be more awesome than you can imagine.
- It’s 100% okay to call Mom. Whether it’s roommate drama, who to call to jump your car, or how to refill a prescription, she’s your girl and she has the answer.
- Letting other people’s opinion of you shape how you see yourself is lame.
- In the same vein, don’t let a relationship or man define your self worth. No one can advocate for you, better than you can.
- Learning to accept yourself is probably the best thing you’ll learn in college. Be okay with doing stuff by yourself.
Advice to My 18 Year Old Self | the Not So Serious:
- Yes, you really can get pulled over for being 11 mph over the speed limit.
- All of that time you spent editing photos on Picnik is really going to pay off if you ever…start a blog.
- I get that the Target rain boots are WAY cheaper than the Hunter ones, but they start leaking after a month so maybe save some money up.
- 8 ams really aren’t your thing, girlfriend. Let’s be realistic.
- Shaving your legs in the sink so you don’t have to fully shower may SEEM like a good idea, but is actually a great way to accidentally slice open your leg.
- Going to Taco Bell at 2 am during finals week is fine though.
- Just because the party theme is cute doesn’t mean you have to go. Kegs and Eggs on game day will lead to regrets.
- Driving during a tornado warning isn’t advised but also isn’t going to kill you…probably. Go get those scantrons for your exam, girl.
Advice to My 18 Year Old Self | the Giveaway:
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SHOP THE POST | ADVICE TO MY 18 YEAR OLD SELF
It almost pains to me to think of all of the advice I wish I could give my 18 year old self! ha! But so many of these are perfect… Especially to just call mom!! ha!
Haha right there with you Kelssey!
I definitely wish I could go back and tell my 18 year old self to get it together! It is amazing how much you learn as life goes on!
Maggie
http://www.polishedclosets.com
I hear you! It’s fun to see the process of change but I wish I could avoid some of the more cringeworthy moments too
This is such a great post! I love all your advice to your 18 year old self! I would tell myself that long distance relationships when you are 18 are NOT going to work out no matter how hard you try!
Ooo that’s a good one! I have some friends that struggled with that too
OH man, I could go on and on about what advice I’d give myself. Calling your mom is always, always okay!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
So true Lily! The list definitely could go on and on for me too!
Funny how so much changes from 18- college was a blast but adulting ain’t so bad either!
xo, Kristina
I completely agree!
I still need to learn to say no and I am 28 years old. It is exhausting being a people pleaser!! Great advice 😊
I’m trying to get better but it’s definitely a constant battle!
Loved this post! There is something we could’ve all worked on.
For sure! Thanks so much for reading Amanda!
This is a great post Nicole! These are definitely things I would totally wish I can tell my 18 year old self. It is so important to accept yourself and feel comfortable about yourself!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Being comfortable in my skin has been one of my favorite things about getting older!
I like that you put not driving during a Tornado advisory is under the not so serious category LOL. I am loving your shoes and dress! Plus, taco bell at 2 am… is always a good idea in my book.
Hahaha I survived so I feel like it’s not horrible! Thanks Laura!
LOVE this gal! Especially the first piece of advice, no one really knows what they’re doing, be easy on yourself! So very, very true.
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Aww thank you Laura! Hope you’re having a great week!
It’s funny, I think 18-year-old me was doing a lot better than 21-year-old me! She got out of the house more and was less afraid of the future. But if I had to give her some advice, it would be to start that blog already, instead of waiting another two more years!
Indya || http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
Hahaha I think my younger self would’ve done better with a creative outlet too!
This was such a heartfelt post. How I wish I could have talked to my 18 year old self as well. I would have taught her so many things, including being strong.
Right?! I would’ve been a lot kinder to my younger self
Loving this post!! Great advice!!! And, You look so pretty in that dress!!
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Thank you so much Angelle!
Don’t you with you could go back and talk to your 18 year old self! I’d safe myself a lot of drama and heartache!
April | http://www.thebluehydrangeas.com
Oh for sure! So many things that seemed like a big deal really weren’t!
Such awesome advice. I wish I had exited my comfort zone SO much sooner than I did!!! I would tell myself to stop stressing about what people think so much and just be me!
Amen girlfriend! 🙌🏽🙌🏽 glad to be there now
I love this post! I can relate to sooo many of these things. Finding yourself and understanding everyone is unique and you dont have be like everyone else was a big one for me in college! Such great advise:)
xoxo, Hannah
Aww glad you could relate! I really think that feeling comfortable in your own skin is one of the best parts of growing up!