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25 Things I Wish I Learned In My 20s

I learned a lot in my 20s. I learned how to survive a breakup and how to reconcile with a friend. Thanks to three years of law school, I learned the rules of civil procedure. I learned how to get out of debt and how to nurse a baby. But there are a few things that I didn't learn, but wish that I had.
By 

Author of "Open Boxes: the gifts of living a full and connected life"

Author of "Open Boxes: the gifts of living a full and connected life"
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I learned a lot in my 20s. I learned just how many calculus classes I could skip and still get a "C." I learned how to survive a breakup and how to reconcile with a friend. Thanks to three years of law school, I learned the rules of civil procedure and how to deal with a professor who uses the Socratic method. I learned how to get out of debt and how to nurse a baby. I learned how to fall in love and how to stay in love.

But there are a few things that I didn't learn, but wish that I had.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I should say that I am now 30-something, though I have always been a bit of a slow learner.)

  1. Cherish your friendships. You may never have friendships as strong -- or easy to maintain -- again.

  • Exercise so that you feel good, not so that your body looks good.

  • Laugh at yourself.

  • Do kegels.

  • Don't feel guilty for buying the cheap wine. Or the expensive wine, for that matter.

  • Women are not your competition; they are your allies.

  • An authentic apology is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful act of courage and strength.

  • Ask for help now and then.

  • Stop calling yourself "fat." Really, just stop.

  • Your parents might actually know what they are talking about. Sometimes.

  • Just eat the damn cheesecake.

  • Comparisons to other people can destroy you; the only comparisons that you should make are to the woman you were, the woman you are and the woman you want to be.

  • Do more kegels.

  • When in doubt, choose the sexy shoes over the comfortable ones. There will be plenty of time for comfortable shoes later on.

  • Treat people with respect -- and expect nothing less in return.

  • Say "no" and mean it.

  • Feminism does not mean feminine; it means equality. Wearing jewelry and makeup, taking your husband's last name and getting manicures don't make you any less of a feminist.

  • Don't lose touch with your spirituality, even if you don't go to church or know what you believe.

  • Surround yourself with people who allow you to be your best self.

  • Know the difference between tights, leggings and yoga pants.

  • Friendships are absolutely essential to your well-being; make them as important as romantic relationships.

  • Find a gynecologist that you trust.

  • Changing your mind, attitude, beliefs or behavior doesn't mean that you are wishy-washy; it means that you are thoughtful and evolving.

  • It's okay to not know whether you want to be a mother. If you are a mother, it's okay to not know whether you like being a mother all the time.

  • Enjoy this time in your life, but trust that the best is yet to come.

    • Christine Organ is the author of Open Boxes: the gifts of living a full and connected life. She writes at www.christineorgan.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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