Sometimes I contemplate what I would say to my younger self if I had the chance. Here are the 2 most intriguing things that came to my mind:

1. It is 100% okay if you do not know what you want to do with your life-

Disclosure, I am almost twenty-four years old. I did not actually take school seriously until I was twenty-two.

I first started in 2010, studying Professional Photography in Colorado, when I had a sudden change of heart. I dropped out and moved back to my hometown, where I worked at Free People, and took Gen Ed’s with an emphasis on business, marketing, and the arts. After so much disarray, and essentially having a life crisis, I moved to California to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. At FIDM, I'm specializing in Visual Communications (graphic design, layouts, merchandising, space planning, etc).

I always knew I wanted to be a designer of something, but I didn’t listen to myself. I wanted to believe I was this traditional cookie cutter person. But I struggled to find my niche in the world, and five years later, I am about to graduate with a college degree doing everything I ever wanted to do......finally.

I think the one thing I didn’t know, was just because an area of interest has appeal to you, it doesn’t mean you will love everything about it. What I essentially asked myself was: “what is it about these things (photography, painting, guitar, piano) that I loved so much?” and I broke it down:

I just wanted to create.

I love the creative process, the design elements, and the rules for composition. So, I went to learn more. At this point in my life, I could build you a set, I can create your logo and branding elements, and I could do a company's public relations. I’m an artist, but if you want me to know the anatomy of a cell, I’ve lost it all after learning that mitochondria is the powerhouse, ha ha.

I promise that if you give yourself a chance to explore your passions without criticism, you will find the thing that makes you tick. Whether you want to clean my teeth, defend me in court, or be a part of the newest art installation at Coachella, I promise there is a place for you in this world. You should take as much time as you need before you seriously pursue an education.

When I was twenty, I felt like I was spiraling out of control because I didn’t have a single clue at what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I know that’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself, but I did it for a reason. I did not want to choose something just to do it, I knew I wanted it to be something I loved, because I wanted to grow up and LOVE my career, not be slighted by it. I wanted to prosper. I wanted an opportunity to be financially stable, but, more importantly, I wanted to be rich in spirit, health, and creativity. I refused to listen to others wishes of what they thought I should be doing. After all, at the end of the day, nobody can tell you how to live your life. It’s your destiny to tune into your gifts the universe gave you!

If you’re feeling stuck or in a rut in your life, I advise you to TRAVEL. I can’t explain how much going from place to place changed my world. Life really does begin at the end of your comfort zone, and immersing yourself into a new environment has a huge impact on the way you look at the world. I even spent two months backpacking in Utah, because I knew I needed clarity. Whatever you can to do explore another territory, do it. It’s realistic to book a cross-country flight for less than $300 roundtrip. You don’t need a plan, you just need your intuition to guide you.

On a final note, I want to touch on the age aspect of college.

As I said earlier, when I went back to school when I was twenty-two. I engaged myself with my surroundings around campus, but realized that I had a lot more maturity than most people. Just when I thought that would be a negative thing, it actually ended up being a blessing. I was too old to worry about who has a fake ID to get into 1OAK or who at USC is having the best frat party. Honestly, I am SO glad I bypassed that aspect of college. I had my fun days partying when I was younger. I was now at school to take my life seriously. At FIDM, we have a 40% drop out rate. And for once after two tries, I was not a part of that statistic. Overall, your maturity has everything to do with your work ethic. You have to WANT to be in school, otherwise, you’ll end up with a bunch of useless knowledge that you KIND OF know things about but could really care less. Going to school and just “getting by” is the total misuse of a five to six figure education cost. Believe me, your parents will thank you if you plead your case if you’re not ready.

2. He's probably not going to be your only boyfriend-

This one gets me every time.

One of the single most saddening things I’ve ever done was to leave my high-school sweetheart back in my hometown. This happened when I moved across the country to Colorado for my first attempt at college. I think we made it 2 months before I flew him out to live on my dorm floor for a few weeks. Shortly after, he found a spot to crash at for the next two months. We loved each other so much that we literally couldn't be apart.

This was the first and last time I learned that sometimes love isn't enough. While I was focused on trying to change my life and pursue a dream, he went idle, was motionless, and simply did not care about his future in the same way I did. Long story short, and I’m sure you can imagine, we went different ways. His heart intact, and mine in pieces. He let me go because he knew I deserved better in all aspects of my life. It took me at least 3 years to understand that, but for that, I love him still to this day, in a different way; as a person, and as a spiritual friend. Even though we lost the romantic aspect, he remained to be a special person in my life. Maybe lost, but not forgotten.

So, ladies, he will not be your only one. Save your tears and take it from a hopeless romantic, there will be many, many more! I thought love was the best thing in the world, until I embraced the freedom of being single. I’ve been in a relationship with myself for the past three years and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Actually, guys swoon at the fact you’re successful. They love a woman with ambition, drive, passion and grace in their hearts. Sad thing is, most of them need to catch up and play that game too. A woman of that caliber will not settle for any old relationship, right ladies?

I wish all of you the best for you future, If you have questions, or want more insight, you can e-mail me at goddessyoutfitters@gmail.com !

As always,

xo Linds