I grew up an only child and always envied friends who had amazing friendships with their siblings. It almost seemed like they shared secrets that I would never get access to. Like an elite country club that was only accessible to trust fund babies. But with the passage of time, I learned to enjoy being a permanent party of one.

Yet there were always moments. In the quiet hours of the early morning, where I would always wonder. What would I say if I’d ever met my 20 year old self for a coffee? And after one too many glasses of red, I realised I would offer her the following advice.

1. I would let her know that life doesn’t stop at 30. But there will be an inevitable shift in priorities .
2. I would tell her to pursue that dream, even if it feels unrealistic. Chances are you will look back at it very fondly.
3. I would tell her to go to therapy because after some point you have to take accountability for your own actions.
4. I would encourage her to continue to travel more. Even if the cost felt atrocious. Chances are that Europe trip would only feel more unattainable with a mortgage and responsibilities.
5. I would let her that even at 30 something she will still be figuring out life as it unfolded in front of her and that it was normal.
6. I would tell her that she would lose a heck load of friendships. But, she would also gain plenty in return.
7. I would advise her to learn to make her peace with her parents, because they did the best they with what they had.
8. I would tell her to prioritise her health because at some point those late nights would catch-up with her.
9. I would tell her to always focus on the creativity in a world that rarely encourages it.
10. I would tell her to create her own narrative otherwise the world around her will create one for her.