Happy Birthday, Patty!

What I Would Tell Patty

You get wiser every year. At least that’s what I like to think; it keeps getting older meaningful rather than complaining becoming weak and well, old. My youth is starting to wear off (or I’m probably being paranoid), and if I could, I’d want myself today to visit my young self 5, 10, 20 years ago to tell me what life will be like when I reach 26, and how I got through every damn thing that got in my way. I think I’ve learned a lot along the way. Of course, I’m kind of bummed that my 20s is far from Monica Geller’s or Rachel Green’s or even as fun and spontaneous as Phoebe Buffay’s but hey, I think I can now relate to what I grew up watching. So if I could smack my young self’s head, here’s what I would tell me.

To the five year old Patty, life is full of surprises and you being naturally inquisitive and curious may or may not get you in trouble. Never forget why making bubbles was magical or how a vacuum machines sucks dust, and everything that gets in its way. Don’t you ever stop learning about things and life.

To the nine year old Patty, challenges will always be there in life. They do not define who you are, but how you deal with them is what matters. You’ll get over them anyway, even if not in the best way each time.

To the eleven year old Patty, when you do something, it is because you love to do it. You’re going to start writing your thoughts when you don’t know what to say. Keep writing, your voice needs to be heard, even on paper.

To the thirteen year old Patty, high school is but only a phase. It’s one of the most fun years of your life. Explore, try, make mistakes – but not all at once. You can make more later in life. Just enjoy what life has to offer as you leave childhood behind and start growing up.

To the fifteen year old Patty, your story is unique but there’s always someone out there who will understand what’s going on. Don’t be afraid to share. And listen.

To the seventeen year old Patty, be brave and resilient. Going out of your comfort zone is scary but it will help you grow. Never forget who you love and keep doing things you’d invest for your future self.

To the eighteen year old Patty, throw in some finesse. You can be brave, strong and independent even if you show your feminism.

To the twenty year old Patty, lack of sleep results in poor judgment. Don’t make it a habit. Even if you’re rushing for a deadline or something important comes up, make sure you set time for sleep. Your body’s gonna thank you a lot later. It’s also okay to spend time with people you don’t know. Get to know them, you’ll learn about yourself too.

To the twenty one year old Patty, your twenties are when you learn your mistakes. Make new ones everyday. You need to learn a lot to be ready for your thirties.

To the twenty two year old Patty, you can search the world for the right career path that suits you. Never forget what you love to do to keep you grounded.

To the twenty three year old Patty, falling in love is harder in your twenties. Choose what makes you happy and don’t grieve too much when things fall apart.

To the twenty four year old Patty, it is okay if the timeline you set when you were five isn’t happening today. Things change, you change. But you still want it to happen anyway. Always remember what you want in life to keep you going.

To the twenty five year old Patty, life brings a lot of surprises, before you know it, a tiny person is taking over your life or a grown man is asking you to give up a lot for him. Either way, you should know your worth as a woman, as a mother, as a person. What others expect from you will not define you but let your desires and dreams and how you make them happen tell the world who you are. Don’t let your fear take over.

To the twenty six year old Patty, life is not a one size fits all. You have to enjoy the ride. Being a control freak gets you nowhere.

And to whatever-years-old Patty, never forget to go out and celebrate, no matter how old you are. Here’s to surviving the last year. And here’s to facing another one.