brooke hargett's blog

This commercial cracks me up!  Especially with all the Social Media out there, it’s a pretty accurate portrayal of  how the younger generation view things.  What ever happened to going outside?  Or having conversations with people… face to face?  An alarming amount of communication is hidden behind texting, and while I’m all for efficiency, I feel like the next generation is growing up MISSING some of what makes life great!

In the spirit of passing along wisdom to the next generation, I’d like to offer some unsolicited advice to our young up-and-comers.  So, let’s have a conversation, and try to keep the eye rolling to a minimum…

Here are some things I’ve picked up along the way, that I wish I’d known when I was younger.

• Don’t worry about what others think.  Be yourself in all of your original glory- that’s what draws people in.  Life it too short to spend it dwelling on negativity from others.  Be yourself, own it, and let everything else roll off your back.  You don’t have any room in your life for people that drain you.  If they aren’t giving enough back… let them go.

• Go Outside– I promise it will heal your soul.  Take a walk, ride a bike, go up in the mountains, squish your toes in the sand at the beach, or just have a picnic at a park.  Get out in nature.  Breathe in the air and allow your problems to slip away.  Things that seem insurmountable will resolve themselves in your subconscious, or at least they won’t seem as insurmountable.

• Don’t be afraid to be on your own.  As much fun as it is to be around friends and family all the time, its equally important to learn to be comfortable in your own space.  YOU create your own happiness, so get comfy with your bad self!

• Don’t eat crap.  Be conscious of what you put into your body.  Pound the water, grab those fruits and veggies.  Cut out the sugar and processed foods.  Watch your portions.  Don’t eat late at night.  But know that as long as you are doing these things most of the time, it’s totally ok to indulge now and then.  Moderation is key.

• End the day by thinking of something that you’re thankful for, then either write it down or tell someone about it.  You’ll be surprised how this one little act will change your attitude about your entire life.  I’m going to take the 30 Day Complaint Free Challenge, which should be much easier if I am focusing on what I’m thankful for instead of what’s bugging me.

• Look people in the eye when you’re talking.  This seems to be a dying art as texting, emailing and facebooking don’t generate any kind of confidence in this area.  Try it- you will be amazed how captivating you will become.

• Be honest.  Don’t lie, don’t talk about other’s behind their backs, don’t be catty.  The art of being a lady/gentleman will go a long way towards making and keeping friends.

• If you make a mistake, fess up to it.  You will have a much better shot at patching things up, and you will keep respect that will otherwise be lost.  Most importantly on this one- say your sorry, and I mean actually say those words, “I’m sorry.”  You’ll be amazed at how it works.

• Try new things and keep your options open.  Make a Bucket List and stretch yourself!  Having large and small goals along the way is what makes life great.  Taste that calamari, try out for the team, take the LSAT, do the study abroad, learn the language, pull an all-nighter, take that interview.  You are meant to be great- make it happen.

• Figure out what you love and then DONT LET GO.  Make your work you passion.  Work harder than everyone else around you and cling to what you love.  Don’t listen to anyone that ever says you can’t do it.  Prove them wrong.

• Look your best.  You will feel more confident if you just take a few minutes to present your best self.  For the ladies: Put on a little mascara, invest in a bra that fits, put on ear rings when you pull your hair up, wear clothes that flatter your figure, paint your toes.  Own a black dress- you can vamp it up or make it casual, it works in almost every scenario.  For the men: Be well groomed-shave that hair at the back of your neck, wear clothes that are tailored to your body type.  Have at least one pair of decent shoes, own a nice suit, but never underestimate the power of a guy in good jeans and a t-shirt.  Wear cologne, but not too much.  Smile.  A little class never hurt anyone.

• Listen.  I mean really listen when someone is talking.  Take a genuine interest in people and what they’re going through.  You can learn enough to avoid some serious mistakes if you just open your ears.

• Be good to your family.  Spend time with them and make them important in your life.  Forgive and mend relationships- as long as they are not unhealthy.  Ask your grandparents and parents questions before its too late.  Show up for events that are important to other family members.  Say I love you, and say it often.

• Be active.  You only get one body- make it a healthy one.  Change up your workout routine so you don’t get bored. There’s lots of ways to get a workout in that doesn’t involve a gym membership.  Get friends involved.  You’re a lot more likely to succeed if you do it with someone.

• Create traditions.  Involve those you love and find reasons to celebrate.  Celebrate holidays and make your own.  Have a reason to celebrate every month.  Do Taco Tuesdays, go to the lakehouse every summer, stay in your pajamas all day, meet up for happy hour, vacation to a new place the same week every year, take a road trip.  Always have something to look forward to!

• Give back.  Nothing will pull you out of depression faster than doing something for someone else.  It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but to someone else, it can mean the world.

• Don’t judge.  I promise, promise, promise you don’t know everything that person is going through, or has been through, or how hard they are fighting just to be who they are.  A little tip- there will be a point in your life when you hope with everything in you, that others will extend you the same courtesy.

• Do something nice unexpectedly.  Bring flowers.  Surprise someone.  Send chocolate.  Write a love letter.  Bring coffee.  Send a text.  Clean a room.  Give a massage.  Leave a message.  Give a hug.  Bring dinner.  Spend time.