How Hard Did Aging Hit You? Thoughts

People have been posting pictures on Facebook of their first profile picture next to their most recent profile picture. I found a picture of myself from 2008 and I definitely looked younger, more wide-eyed and innocent. I was a skinny mini. I straightened my hair.  However, comparing the two pictures of myself didn’t show my immaterial change. I’m also interested in how I have changed as a person.

In 2008 I was 15.

I believed that my introversion was a flaw.

I was able to read with more pure joy and for longer periods of time. Now I fall asleep.

I didn’t know that I had OCD or even anxiety really.

I believed that friendships should always last forever.

I tried to craft or wait for “perfect” situations. I was forever waiting to live my life instead of living it imperfectly.

I wanted to own a Cajun restaurant. I also hadn't worked in a restaurant yet. Guess what made me change my mind about owning a restaurant.

I hadn’t watched The Office.

I spent most of my money at Michael’s craft store. (Josh laughed out loud when I read him this one. He thinks I still do. Wrong. I definitely spend most of my money on KFC 5 Dollar Fill-ups.)

I sang in the shower a lot. Mainly "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from Disney's Hercules and "In the Ghetto" by Elvis.

I was embarrassed that my favorite musician was Elton John.

I was 1000% sure that I wanted kids. No that's not a typo, I was over 100% sure that I wanted to have children. I used to stuff my nightgown under my shirt and imagine what I would look like pregnant. Super embarrassing.

I worked as an "auto insurance specialist" (telemarketer) for State Farm and dreaded every night I worked.

Podcasts scared me. I'm honestly not sure why.

I liked boys with long skater hair. *Looking at you, Patrick Callahan.

For the most part, I like how I have changed over the last 10 years. I’m definitely glad I’m not in high school anymore and that I have a full-time job. I like having my two pups and my own space. I’m grateful for the friendships that have and have not lasted. I’m learning that setting boundaries and being kind are not mutually exclusive. I’m more willing to spend money and make mistakes. I've learned I don't have to smile to be beautiful.