An Open Letter to my 21 year old self.

I know, I know, this was supposed to be done this past Thursday or something. But as I read others' posts, I started thinking about my 21 year old self. 21 was such a big year. And by a big year, I mean that I did a lot of growing up. More than any other year.  Looking back, I don't regret anything. But I wish I could go back in time and shake myself! Haha.

Here we go:

1. You will soon find out that going out to the bars and clubs is just NOT that fun. You start running into the SAME people weekend after weekend. Those people are still creeping in the same bars 3 years later, and there's a reason. You will soon start to realize that you will not meet your future husband in a bar and that those extra calories in those Sex on Bakers Street drinks and buttery nipples are no good for you. 

2. You need to live it up in that body you have now. Keep showing those legs off, girl. And you know how you think you're "so fat?" You're not. Just wait a few years to when you get pregnant and cry ad wince in envy at Forever 21 and Express while heading up the escalator to Motherhood Maternity. I'm so proud of you for working out 6 days a week. 

3. That guy you're super hung up on? STOP TALKING to him. Seriously, stop. He's bad. He's already made you cry so many times. Guess what girl? He's got a secret life he's hiding from you. He's lying to you. And to his now fiancée. Yes, that's right, YOU are the "other woman" and you have no clue for several more months. Those red flags that have been popping in your head for months? Trust your instinct. Bad news. Plus, he's not even cute Jo. Get with it. 

4. That guy that hollers at you at the gas station in July? You're going to talk to him off and on but you aren't sure if you want to let your guard down because he's not in town for more than another year due to his job. Let your guard down, girl. He's an amazing man. You'll see that from October on, once you finally do let him in to your heart. And guess what? You're actually going to Marry this man!!! Eek!! 

5. After your intensive police officer training, and making it to the oral boards of OKC PD, you're going to withdrawl from the process when you just will have turned 22. You realize that is not your dream after meeting a man who seriously loves you, cares about your safety and wants a future with you. (See #4). You will start to realize that someday you want a family with this man and you will research extensively on police families and divorce rates. You decide you seriously see a future with #4 and that you don't want to just "see him in passing" between shifts since he works 6a to 6p and you would work nights. You will decide that you want children and don't want to kiss your babies goodnight and wonder if you'll make it alive after your shifts. I'm so proud of you for making it so far and then realizing what you TRULY want in life.

6. Those girls you're going to go to Vegas with for spring break? Only one of the five are going to be your true friend years down the line. Stop trying to please the girl you're rooming with and have a good time! Don't worry what they think, because 2 months later you and the girl you're rooming with will have an ugly disagreement and will no longer be friends. And you're okay with that. 

7. Save your money. Quit blowing it on shopping sprees and Long Island Ice Teas. Nobody will know if you wear the same outfit more than once. You have a great paying job and the opportunity to bank so much money. Do that instead. 

So, 21 year old self. Believe me. Believe my advice. You're going to find Mr. Right. And your life in a few years is going to be totally different than you think it is right now. 

Love,

Jordan