- At the full moon party on Ko Pha-Ngan, July 2001
The other day an old friend asked me what I would say to my younger self now if I had the chance. At the time, I just came up with ‘Don’t worry so much’ and although that’s valid, there is more.
It’s now 10 years since I went backpacking across Australasia and South East Asia in my gap year then started university at Sheffield. My path has meandered, faltered and changed but I now have the kind of life I only could have dreamed of back then.
This is what I would actually say:
Work hard, play hard Find a job you love and work hard every day you’re there. When you’re not working, forget about it and enjoy the money you earn. Know when to stop and go on holiday.
A degree isn’t everything No-one will care what mark you got in 10 years time.
Spend your money on experiences, not stuff Travel, go to the cinema, get drunk with your friends, go for afternoon tea, go to galleries… whatever makes you smile. Coveting stuff doesn’t work.
If someone really likes you, you’ll know It will be immediately obvious in everything they do and say. They won’t run the risk of you disappearing off with someone else.
You can’t fake it You can’t make someone like you or find a way if it’s just not right.
Don’t sweat the break-ups Do your mourning, then move on. You’ll break up with every boyfriend apart from one (maybe) and you’ll survive them all.
If you ever live with a boy, get a cleaner It saves so many pointless arguments and frees up time for fun stuff.
Be good with money The stress of debt is so not worth it.
Only hang out with people who make you feel good about yourself Lose the ones that make you feel tired, bored, miserable or stupid. Life is too short to spend with anyone who doesn’t make you feel amazing.
Be authentic Say what you think, explain what you feel, be who you are and be honest. Keep your word.
Look after yourself. It’s worth the effort Exercise, sleep enough, eat well, spend time by yourself, let it go sometimes.
Say yes to every opportunity you can You can always change your mind later if it turns out to be a bad move. At least you won’t wonder what could have been.
Go hard If it’s worth it, put everything in to it. If it’s not, walk away.
And finally:
Lighten up Lose the drama and get on with it.
My 18th birthday
