The Sparrow's Nest: Note to Self...

Yes, this is my Senior picture. I was 18 years old the summer this picture was taken. It's a little crazy to think that was just 6 years ago. Life has been such a CrAzY adventure since those days.

I think everyone at some point in their life thinks about what they'd tell the 18 year old version of themselves. Sorta the "If I knew then what I know now" deal.

That summer I just started working at Kohl’s Department Store and quit my 5 year job as a “Sandwich Artist” at Subway, HaHa. I was about to start my Senior year & I was graduating early due to my big ambitions on starting College early that January.

I guess at that age anything is possible. I could have gone down so many different paths and really at 18 your options are endless, yet pretty scary.

You don’t get those years back and what if you end up doing something you regret later or worse waste time going to school for something only to find out you really don’t want to do later.

It’s a lot of pressure to figure out who you are and what you want out of life.

If I could go back and talk to myself just give myself a little advise it would probably go a little something like this…

Ashley,

I know you think you have it all figured out right now but really deep down you don’t and ya know… that’s okay. However, don’t let disappointments in life make you feel any less about who you are. Take more pride in yourself, you deserve it.

Some people may not understand you or appreciate you but those aren’t the people that matter in the long run. Don’t be so hard on yourself, your only one person & can only do so much. Spend more time loving you and less time trying to fix things that just don’t want to be fixed.

Try hard at anything you do and do not underestimate your ability to accomplish things. The things that you stress over & keep yourself awake at night about, in 6 years wont mean anything.

Love but keep in mind it’s okay to stay somewhat guarded. People are not perfect, they will let you down. However, It’s up to you how far they drop you.

Don’t waste time holding grudges or being friends with people that are just not good friends. Trust your instincts, 9 times out of 10 your right about them.

Last, just enjoy where you are in life & don’t be in such a rush to get through it. You’ll be fine. Trust me, that’s why I am here today J

P.S. make sure you let the people you care about KNOW it. They might not always be around for you to tell them.

P.S.S.

Try not to get so many speeding tickets.. your not in NASCAR J

Love,

Yourself