Comment from Chatty Kelly
Time: August 12, 2008, 7:53 am

I’d tell my 23 yr old self not to worry about what others think of me…REALLY! If you don’t get the job, it doesn’t mean you weren’t the best person for the job, just that THEY didn’t think you were the best person for the job. Don’t get the fellow, doesn’t mean you aren’t the cutest little thing ever, just that he is stupid (most men are, honey).

Don’t worry about what THEY think. Be yourself.

Oh, yeah, and Love God with your whole heart and your neighbor as yourself. That is a really important one too. Jesus said so.

p.s. - are you sure you aren’t my 4 yr old??? She also loves goldfish. She prefers the colorful ones.

Comment from Abby
Time: August 12, 2008, 8:23 am

I’d tell myself that if you don’t love, respect and stand up for yourself - no one else will. I would also tell myself that I should be careful of my “feelings”. I’d encourage myself to have more courage and to accept that failure, or what I perceived as failure, was really the best learning tool. I’d also tell myself to go learn about myself. Be better on the inside and the outside will follow. No use hanging designer curtains in a house that is not completely built.

Comment from Becky C.
Time: August 12, 2008, 8:36 am

Since i’m only 23 myself, I would tell the 13 year old version of myself that it’s okay to let people love me. It’s okay to trust people- because not all of them are bad. I’d also tell myself to LOVE myself. To practice that love at an earlier age would i’m sure made a difference in my experiences.

Comment from Becky C.
Time: August 12, 2008, 8:38 am

P.S. Have you ever had the pretzel goldfish?! YUM!

Comment from Vanderbilt Wife
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:11 am

I would tell my 23-year-old self not to rush things. The job, the baby, the everything will come. Enjoy life in your little apartment with your little new hubby. And darn it, read that Bible more, girl!

Comment from Kelley
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:17 am

If I could tell the 23 year old Kelley what the 30 something Kelley knows now….it would be that 23 year old Kelley needs to learn how to budget, plan and save her money. I learned that WAY too late in life. I wish I would have started earlier.

And also to just say no to the cute credit card boys on the campus plaza!! It’s not OK to get one even if the cute guy will give you a free 2 Liter of soda or a free t-shirt, tell you how nice you look with a wink and a smile.

Now if he had a box of goldfish crackers…well…

Comment from Shara
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:21 am

I would tell myself to wake up and get it together! My 23-year old self was a selfish young mother of three young children, who would soon get right with the Lord. But at 23, she was mess!

Thanks for the retrospection encouraging today! =)

Comment from mandy
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:38 am

I would tell myself that it’s important to remember who YOU are & not toss yourself aside for your family. Also, an extra 50 lbs is NOT water weight.

I wrote a letter to my 15 year old self once. Here’s the link
http://mandyconforth.blogspot.com/2008/01/letter-to-my-15-year-old-self.html

Comment from Kelley
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:43 am

Good question, Amy Beth, and my answer is fairly simple.

This 41 year old would tell myself (at 23 and at EVERY age really)….

Be 23 and enjoy 23. Don’t try to go back and be 16 and, for goodness sakes, don’t try to rush 30. Savor today….you’ll NEVER get it back.

Comment from anon
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:50 am

I graduated from college two days after my 23rd birthday. I think I would have just told myself to find a job! I (like Mandy above) wrote a letter to myself in 1992. http://www.delightfullycliche.com/2007/03/dear-me.html

It was the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Seriously.
Jenn C.

Comment from Jeni
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:59 am

Wow, my 23 year old self was pretty naive. I’d first of all tell her that she needed to take some time with her hubby and really THINK about the next step in her life. Why go through 4 years and $200,000 debt for professional school when, six years later, she wants to be a SAHM??

I’d also tell her to start exercizing NOW. Right now. And eating better. Because a pound or so every month doesn’t seem like a big deal until a few years go by…

Comment from Tamara
Time: August 12, 2008, 10:05 am

Wow. First, I scarcely remember 23, much less 13.

Second, I’d have to agree with Kelley and Kelley…skip the credit cards, stick to a budget, and save money.

Finally, I’d tell myself not to worry about meeting “the man”. 23-year-old me spent a lot of time and tears trying to fit various men into “the man” mold, completely ignoring the fact that that was God’s job. God had it all worked out, and I didn’t need to worry so much about it!

Comment from jenelle howe
Time: August 12, 2008, 10:20 am

I would tell myself at age 13 (since im only 20) to stop being scared and living in fear of what everyone else thinks, bc the oinly thing that matters is what GOD thinks of me, and to ALWAYS be myself no matter what!!!! love you ab!

Comment from debbie d.
Time: August 12, 2008, 10:37 am

“Dear 23 year old Deb, don’t compromise what you believe to be true about your fabulous man of God…he’s out there and in time, he’ll be yours. Also, don’t wait until you think you have enough money to travel, visit friends and make great memories. Next, when I send you to Alaska for a two week trip when you’re 34, just have fun & mind your manners, you’re 34 for goodness sake, not 4! Plus, no matter what anyone says, credit card debt is a nasty nasty thing, and will take a long time to rid yourself of, stay away from it! flee from it as if it is satan itself. And quit buying stuff to put in the first house you buy, you’ll thank me later. Keep loving on your sweet daddy…you’ve only got two more years with him. Last, but not least, God is still the same amazing God of your youth, don’t let the masses rob you of your joy. oh wait…one more thing…it will only take 19 more years…but your dream of Michael W. Smith & Stephen Curtis Chapman finally touring together comes true in 2008!”

Comment from Bethany
Time: August 12, 2008, 11:06 am

I don’t remember 23, all I really remember is that I was pregnant with #3 for most of that year. But…

To 23 year old Bethany from 7 years in the future:
Hold on. The morning is coming. God hears you and knows your needs and help will be there when you least expect it. Don’t give up hope, and don’t give up on God.

Open your Bible again. Read what the Lord has to say to you. Talk to Him. And treasure your babies. They will be the life of you.

Comment from amykay
Time: August 12, 2008, 11:22 am

well i’m only 26… but the past 3 years have been busy ones! so i am still learning this lesson, but i would say… you don’t have to be right and get everything perfect all the time. it’s okay to fail and to make mistakes, and then get back up and try again.

Comment from Amy Storms
Time: August 12, 2008, 11:41 am

I’d tell myself, “It’s not about you–get over yourself.”

I should probably tell that to the 32-year-old version of myself, too.

I ate goldfish crackers last night at 11:00, in my bed. They were the cheddar flavor blast kind.

And another thing. Do you know what my middle name is? Elizabeth. I grew up being called Amy Beth. It doesn’t matter, really, but I’ve just always wanted to tell you that. And now you know.

Comment from Ronnica
Time: August 12, 2008, 11:50 am

Hmmm. I was 23 only 2 years ago, but if I were to tell my 23yo self anything it would be to be more outgoing and welcoming to others. And I might just say that to the 25yo self, too.

Comment from Kelli
Time: August 12, 2008, 12:27 pm

Enjoy everyday to it’s fullest and stop wishing for the past or future.

And read your bible more, pray more, and praise Him more!

Comment from Rachel
Time: August 12, 2008, 12:50 pm

I would tell myself (7 years ago) that I need to wake up and rememeber that my decisions now WILL affect the future. Sure I would have said I realized that, but I made some crappy decisions. I would have established a healthier lifestyle, I wouldn’t have lived on credit through 7 years of school, I would have spent more time with loved ones than be one-track minded about my education. I would have realized that life is what you make it- your focus is up to you.

And the pretzel goldfish ROCK!

Comment from Brittany
Time: August 12, 2008, 1:28 pm

Being 23, I would tell my 13 year old self that first of all, 120 lbs is not fat. You will see fat one day after 2 kids. Then I would tell her to forget the boys. When the right one comes, he will have eyes for only you and you won’t have to play games to get him. Also , Just because your mom doesn’t agree, doesn’t make you wrong. Have a mind of your own. Trust yourself.

Comment from Brandy T
Time: August 12, 2008, 1:40 pm

I have decided to talk with 21-year-old me because 22- and 23-year-old me isn’t too much different than the 24-year-old me that I am today.

I would say, “Don’t worry, 21-year-old me, this is as bad as it gets and, sooner than you think, life will be a whole lot better. Also, realize that God is the only One that can get you through this; so don’t put too many expectations on yourself or on those around you. Keep trusting that God’s plan is perfect and that He doesn’t make mistakes. I guarantee, pretty soon you’ll see it for yourself.

P.S. For heaven’s sake! Put down those French Fries and pick up a dang Salad!”

I also think that cavemen would like the multi-color goldfish just ’cause their so pretty.

Comment from Angela
Time: August 12, 2008, 2:11 pm

There are so many things the 30-year-old me would love to tell the 23-year-old me: Care more about what God thinks of you than what anyone else thinks. HE is the mirror you should look into every morning to see your true reflection. Don’t worry so much about getting married! Think more about preparing to be married and being the God-loving, God-filled woman you will need to be for everything that life will hand you. And believe. Believe in God and in what He can and will do. (I especially need to hear that at 30, so thanks for the opportunity to remind myself.)

Comment from Michele
Time: August 12, 2008, 3:29 pm

I’d tell myself: “Be patient, all good things come in due time.” (Even though this is still something I struggle with at 31! )

Comment from Natalie @ I AM (not)
Time: August 12, 2008, 4:24 pm

Dear 23 year old self, “Dang girl, you look fantastic! After you have kids EXERCISE for cryin’ out loud! Oh and your hubs is perfect. Ummm, and you’re not as amazing as you think you are.”

Comment from Natalie @ I AM (not)
Time: August 12, 2008, 4:24 pm

Okay, there would have been a bit more spiritual stuff in there, but I didn’t want to hijack the comments.

Comment from Rhonda
Time: August 12, 2008, 7:15 pm

I just turned 40 on Sunday but I at times still feel like I am 23! I agree with alot of what other commenters have said. Especially the make good choices with your finances. I actually did well in that area and it was a huge blessing to be able to buy our first home after being married for two months. I didn’t do so well with the being patient for my husband to come along. I think that is always a tough one for us girls. Also, be willing to go with the flow. Don’t let expectations become a stumbling block. Think of what you can bring to a relationship rather than what you can get from it. Don’t settle. If things kinda bug you before you get married, they are bound to drive you even more nuts after you get married. I got married shortly after I turned 23 and had the first of my three children at age 27. It was nice to wait those four years before having kids, but now I don’t know what we ever did before having kids. I know we both worked full time. I wish we would have traveled more before having children.

Comment from AlyiceEdrich.com
Time: August 12, 2008, 9:05 pm

I’d tell myself not to be so hard on myself and to enjoy the ride more.

Comment from Andrea@Cup of Jesus
Time: August 12, 2008, 11:14 pm

23 year old me needs to know two things: Yes, I’m still yummy, and lighten up when it comes to the kids. Sometimes 32 year old me still needs to know that, too!

And this is easily my fav post about Goldfish crackers. Ever.

Comment from Irish Coffeehouse
Time: August 13, 2008, 3:55 pm

Seriously, I’d tell myself to take a good hard look at my m-i-l and take note as to how, when and why she took over my day and made changes without my consent. I’d tell her that’s just the beginning of what is to come and if you want to keep peace and not have vicious thoughts, you best better find God and pray for strength and tongue holding.

And now that the truth has her attention, I’d tell her to stop trying to control her life because ultimately she has no control. So just enjoy the ride!

Comment from Melody
Time: August 15, 2008, 8:53 pm

I would have told my 13-y.o. self to go back into piano lessons, don’t do (fill in mistakes here), and check out classic rock because it’s cool.

Comment from Krista
Time: September 30, 2008, 6:28 pm

OH wow, 23 is a very appropriate age for me to tell myself something. I would say “do NOT, whatever you do, do NOT get involved with the boy. It will not be a pretty thing and it will leave you with some big regrets. enjoy the life after college when you live with your dear roomie and find things to enjoy in Seattle, not on the phone with boy who lived in NC. You will meet your hubby in another 18 months anyway!”
Then again maybe I wouldn’t have known the gem I was getting if I hadn’t had this jerk first… who knows!