Happy Wednesday! Today I’m sharing 8 differences between 28 and 18. I started this kind of lifestyle post on my 24th birthday where I reflect on things and share different moments and memories plus how I’ve grown as a person. I will be linking all my past blog posts like this down below. I also pair this post with the birthday photo shoot I do for the year. I love this tradition and how it started. It’s fun to reflect and see how things can change. This one is about the thoughts of a 28 year old vs when I was 18 and how I thought things would be. Isn’t it strange how long ten years is but at the same time it isn’t if that makes sense. So keep reading to see how I’m different and all the 8 differences between 28 and 18 year old me!
8 Differences Between 28 and 18
Shy vs. Confident
At 18 I was so shy. I could not talk to anyone and I would hide myself away. I didn’t like bringing attention to myself and just did not do something if I had to approach someone or it involved doing something out of my comfort zone. That lead to me not doing something I wanted as I was too intimated to get out there.
Now at 28, I still can be shy and awkward in social situations but I am not as shy. I can go out and speak for myself. I push myself to just go up to someone and do it. It took a while but I think 18 year old me would be so shocked at the level of confidence I have. In myself and in my ability to do things.
Dreamer vs. Realist
At 18 I lived in a day dream. I would fantasize about where I want to be as I wasn’t happy in my current situation. I would rather sleep my life away and dream of things I saw in movies. I never did anything about it at the age and maybe that’s because I was shy or I was content in my own little world I created.
Now at 28, I still dream. My dreams are a lot bigger but the difference is I make them real. I’ve made so many of those day dreams I have a reality and they were tangible. It’s wild how one action could lead me to so many things I just thought about. So I don’t think I’m a full realist as I still dream but I do make my plans come true.
Overachiever vs. Driven
At 18 I was such an overachiever. I was almost complete with my first year of college and determined to get anything and everything done. I did everything in my power to do things for others and make sure I did everything I needed to. I prioritized everything but myself. I mean at the time I guess it was good but I could see the toll it had on me. I needed to feel the satisfaction of putting everything important first and I didn’t see it but I was burning out.
Now at 28, I feel like I’m not an overachiever anymore but more driven. I can see when I am running out and don’t fall into those habits. I think it’s more positive I am more driven than overachieving everything. I clearly see a difference and it’s been so much better for my mental health. I know when to take breaks and don’t push myself. I mean my life isn’t as stressful as a college student anymore but when I get overwhelmed with projects now I don’t go overboard.
Messy vs. Clean
At 18, I was a mess. I did not care if I had a messy room because my mom or aunt would clean up after me. I was not organized and I was just all over the place. I was a clean person but my belongings were a mess. I think it was because I was living at home and had someone there to clean up for me.
Now at 18, I cannot stand when something is out of place. Just today I spent the entire afternoon cleaning my room and putting everything in a proper place. I can’t fall asleep if my room is a mess and it has to be in order or have a place before I can rest for the night. I also live alone now and have no one to pick up after myself. 18 year old me would be shocked that I actually enjoying picking up after myself. I still trash the place while I get ready that hasn’t changed but I always pick up when I get home unlike before.
Below are the different blog posts like this by age:
Dramatic vs. Drama Free
At 18, I was a drama queen. I mean isn’t everyone? I was so dramatic and the little inconvenience would send me spiraling. I would turn something small into a big deal. I was so dramatic and for what. I was also a huge cry baby. Maybe I still am but not as theatric as I was.
Now at 28, I am drama free. I’m not proud and maybe some times I will still have the drama queen in me but I recognize my behavior now so even during those moments I can sense when it’s over the top. I much prefer to be drama free. I use to live for the dramatics and now I try to stick to the drama on TV or anyone else’s lives but my own. I went through so much drama I much prefer not to have it now.
Dependent vs. Independent
At 18 I had everything done for me. It was nice at the time and gave me time to focus on my studies but I could not do anything by myself. Go to the store? Took my aunt. Went shopping? With my dad. Anytime I went out I had to take someone. I think it was one of the reasons I was so shy too. I didn’t have any dependence. I think 18 year old me needed to companionship. She was always surrounded by people and liked that feeling of not having to do anything for herself.
Now at 28, I am so independent it is crazy. I can remember relying on anyone I had around and now it’s me who I am taking care of. I do take care of my dad instead of the other way around but other than that I do everything on my own. For a whole year there I did everything myself as I was living by myself here in LA. That is what made me grow as a person I think of learning not to rely on anyone but me. I had to figure everything out and it taught me important lessons.
People Pleaser vs. Putting Me First
At 18 I was such a people pleaser. I always thought of others and their opinions about myself. I would do everything to be a push over and made sure I was liked by anyone. I think that’s because I was in college and wanted everyone to like me so I molded myself to people’s standards and find me relatable. Boy, was I wrong. I thought I needed everyone to like me and do things I normally didn’t do just to be liked.
Now at 28, I learned to be confident in myself and putting myself first. I try not to think of what others will think and base my decisions on things I will benefit from and not please my family or others opinions about what I want to do. This was hard to learn and I still struggle but I don’t feel as guilty anymore when I want to do something for myself or buy myself something. I need to stop thinking it’s about others when I should worry about me.
Family Then vs. Family Now
At 18, I said I was dramatic and a drama queen but so was my family. It was full of family drama and so many problems. I couldn’t wait to get away from that but sadly I didn’t for a while. I split off with family I loved because of a family feud and for 8 years I didn’t see them and I regret that. Stupid drama caused me to lose time with relatives. I missed out on so much and 18 year old me didn’t have a voice as I was considered so young and didn’t understand when in reality I knew a little bit at the age. Not too mature but not all the immature. I wish I could have spoke up and things might have been different.
Now at 28, family has changed but one thing that stayed the same is family drama. That I couldn’t escape from. The only difference is now I’m farther away from it and can avoid it a little. I’m not in the middle and can ignore it better than before. The sad thing is as I am writing this a little after my 28th birthday, I no longer have my grandma or mom around anymore so family is getting smaller and bigger at the same time. My cousin’s are having their own kids but we are also losing family members. I don’t have the people who were with me at 18 vs. 28. I also don’t have any of my original dogs with me anymore which sad. Family now and then can really change, can’t it? I didn’t think a whole 10 years after my 18th birthday I would lose important family members. I really take that time for granted.
| strawberry dress // satin pajamas // balloons // headband |
Those were 8 differences between 28 and 18 year old me! A lot of differences and yet I feel like I’m still 18 with a few upgrades if that makes sense. I love these posts and looking back at my growth and what I want to achieve. It’s still a challenge for my but I push through. You can check out more birthday pictures and the makeup and outfit here plus a get ready on my Youtube channel here. Let me know what you were like 10 years ago and if you saw any difference in yourself. Thanks so much for reading about all the 8 differences between 28 and 18 year old me! xo
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