I had planned an epic Thanksgiving recap, but instead I wanted to pause and reflect. My blog, Fit Foodie Finds (now five years old), has been the backdrop for a lot of personal change. When I started it, I was a 20-year-old college junior recovering from an eating disorder, anxious, meticulous, rigid, and overly concerned with what others thought. My standards for myself were impossibly high. Over the past five years I’ve done a lot of soul-searching: I left a stable corporate job to work for myself full time, I traveled extensively, I dated seriously for the first time and experienced my first real breakup, I launched two other websites, and most importantly I began living intentionally and prioritizing my own happiness.
I’ve always felt like an old soul, but lately I feel younger and freer. I don’t regret my early twenties, but there are a few things I wish I’d known then—pieces of advice I want to share now.
If you’re not a little weird, you’re boring.
I embrace my weird. I make strange faces, say random things, sing constantly, and laugh at myself. I used to worry about fitting in, but one of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned is to celebrate the quirks that make you you. Authenticity beats conformity every time. People who aren’t afraid to be themselves—witty, odd, sarcastic—are far more interesting than those who try to be perfectly ordinary.
Your body is a wonder; treat it well.
Many people in their early twenties swing to extremes with food and exercise. I didn’t eat enough at times, and at others I worked out obsessively while forming a skewed definition of “healthy.” Looking back, I would tell my younger self to aim for balance: enjoy pizza with friends, have a drink now and then, and remember that moderation is the healthier long-term choice. Your body deserves compassion, nourishment, and rest—not punishment.
Happiness matters more than income.
No matter your age, prioritize what makes you happy over chasing money for its own sake. Happiness looks different for everyone: for some it’s daily walks by a lake, for others it’s baking, being creative, or spending time with loved ones. Figure out what brings you joy and make space for it.
Technology is useful—real relationships are essential.
Social media and constant connectivity can be exhausting. Turn devices off sometimes and be intentional with face-to-face time. Real conversations, eye contact, and shared experiences build deeper connections than any curated feed can provide.
Be spontaneous.
I used to plan everything to the minute. Over the years I’ve learned to leave room for spontaneity. Some of life’s best moments can’t be scheduled. Being open to unplanned opportunities and going with the flow often leads to richer experiences and less stress.
Do what you do best; delegate the rest.
You don’t have to handle every task yourself. Build a team, collaborate, and let others take on what they do well so you can focus on your strengths. Being resourceful and leaning on others where appropriate will accelerate your success and prevent burnout.
You don’t need a six-pack to be beautiful.
Society pressures women to look a certain way, but beauty isn’t about perfection or conforming to an ideal. It’s about embracing what you have and carrying yourself with confidence. Love yourself first—your self-assurance will always be more attractive than any abdominal definition.
Enjoy a drink—responsibly.
Having a drink with friends can be a social, relaxing experience. It’s okay to unwind and enjoy yourself occasionally without guilt. Moderation matters, but let yourself loosen up and savor celebrations when they happen.
Heartbreak hurts, but it heals.
Heartbreak helped me grow, learn self-love, and clarify what I wanted in a partner. It’s painful in the moment, but it eventually gives you perspective and resilience. Surround yourself with positive people, channel your energy into self-care, and use the experience to discover what truly brings you happiness.
Quality over quantity: choose close friends wisely.
Be intentional about who you spend time with. It’s better to have five deeply loyal friends than a hundred acquaintances. Cultivate relationships that are reciprocal, supportive, and honest. Loyalty and shared values create lasting bonds.
Challenge yourself; growth lives outside your comfort zone.
Success rarely grows from comfort. I recently spoke at a university business school and closed my talk with this idea: get uncomfortable on purpose. Push yourself to try new things, accept challenges, and embrace the possibility of failure. That discomfort is where growth happens.
If you want something, go after it.
You don’t get what you don’t ask for or pursue. When I left my full-time job to build this business, it was risky and uncertain. I hadn’t yet matched my previous corporate salary, but I knew what I wanted: independence and a career built around my passion. Take the leap, plan, experiment, and act. If you want to travel, learn a new skill, or start a project, stop talking and start doing.
Trust your instincts—even when things are unclear.
Someone once told me, “If you don’t know, you know.” In other words, listen to your gut. Even when you can’t name the right answer, intuition often points you in the right direction. Trust it and let it guide your decisions.
Happy December.