Why I’d Never Want To Be 28 Again, Or Even 38

As I looked around the table at a meeting with a client a couple of weeks ago I realized that everyone else was probably in their 20s or 30s, not an uncommon experience today, especially in the digital communications business. And I thought, “I’m so glad I’m not that young!” Some of you might be thinking, “Is she crazy? I’d give my eyeteeth to be 25 again.”

For all of you who yearn to return to the past, here are 11 reasons why I’d prefer to be just as I am.

THEN I WORRIED VIGOROUSLY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

Will I get a good raise this year? Was my boss ignoring me at the meeting this morning? The company isn’t doing well. Will I be fired? Why wasn’t I invited to the meeting? Why wasn’t I invited to her dinner party? Why isn’t my husband home from work yet? (He must be dead.) My mother didn’t answer her phone this morning. (She must be dead.) It’s so humid out, my frizzy hair is making me look awful. (I’d rather be dead.)

NOW I know that worrying accomplishes absolutely nothing.

THEN I WAS COMPELLED TO DO EVERYTHING, AND HAD SOMETHING TO PROVE!

I worked 14-hour days as an editor. I did freelance writing. I cleaned my apartment, every single week, till we could eat off the floors. I threw elaborate dinner parties, and made dishes like Beef Wellington, creme brulee, and lasagne from scratch. I fussed over my hair and makeup every morning. I became a mother.

NOW Although I remain a compulsive overachiever, I don’t stress if I spot dust balls in the corners; I love taking it easy on most Fridays, after a full work week, and it takes me four minutes to apply makeup.

THEN  EMOTION WAS MY MIDDLE NAME

I overreacted when employees didn’t do their jobs well, when someone didn’t act the way I thought she should, when I didn’t close a sale at work, when a friend didn’t show up right on time, when a plane was delayed, and over so much more.

NOW I learned well that everything isn’t about me.

THEN  I WEIGHED MYSELF 5 TIMES A DAY! 

The number on the scale determined how happy I’d be that day

NOW I haven’t weighed myself in months.

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