This is us.
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Barbie Gift Guide
    • Inspiration
    • My Bahamas OOTD
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Studio
  • About Me
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Barbie Gift Guide
    • Inspiration
  • Contact Us

McKnights of Magnolia

Where Relatability Meets Luxury!

Family · December 30, 2023

9 Life Changing Things I’d Say to My Younger Self

9 Life Changing Things I'd Say to My Younger Self

As I look at this photo of an innocent face, an overwhelming sense of emotion floods me. I see a girl full of promise, poised to set off on a profound journey. She’s utterly oblivious to the twists and turns that life has prepared for her, and it fills me with a mix of nostalgia and hope.

I wish I could protect her from the challenges and hardships that lie ahead, but I know that those very experiences will be the crucibles in which she’ll discover her strength and resilience. Through these trials, she’ll acquire wisdom and grow into the extraordinary person she’s destined to be.

Oh, how I wish I could turn back time and softly utter these heartfelt words to her, offering guidance and reassurance as she embarks on her path. But I also understand that the journey itself, with all its ups and downs, will shape her character and lead her to a place of profound self-discovery and fulfillment. So, I let her innocence in the photo remind me that life’s challenges are opportunities for growth and transformation, and I have faith that she’ll embrace them with grace and courage.

9 Life-Changing Things I’d Say to My Younger Self

1. Cling to Your Innocence:

Oh, my dear, your world right now is a tapestry of simplicity and boundless wonder. Guard that sense of wonder with all your might, for the world will try to erode it with cynicism. Know this: your innocence is not a frailty but a reservoir of strength.

2. Embrace Your Quirks:

Those idiosyncrasies you consider strange about yourself? They are the very threads that weave your uniqueness into the fabric of existence. Do not rush to conform so eagerly that you lose the precious qualities that set you apart.

3. It’s Perfectly Fine to Stumble:

Sweet girl, you will stumble and fall A LOT, but remember, each fall conceals a hidden lesson. What truly matters is that you gather those lessons and forge ahead with newfound wisdom.

4. Your Family’s Love is Unyielding: 

There will come moments when you feel misunderstood and isolated like a lone star in the night sky. In those dark hours, always hold on to your family’s unwavering love for you, even when they struggle to express it.

5. Dare to Dream: 

Don’t water down who you are to make others comfortable. Your aspirations are not fanciful, but your destiny. Your journey is significant, and your authenticity is your greatest asset on this remarkable voyage called life.

6. Nourish Your Curiosity: 

Always keep the flame of your curiosity burning brightly. The world is a complex and mysterious tapestry, and your inquisitiveness serves as the guiding light that unveils its intricate patterns.

7. Scatter Kindness:

Treat every soul you meet with reverence and compassion, for it has the power to transform lives. Kindness, my love, is a currency that never depreciates. With that being said, do not, and I repeat, do not let people take advantage of you.

8. Where Your Heart on Your Sleeve:

Don’t feel embarrassed about shedding tears, experiencing moments of sadness, or going through heartaches. These emotions are all part of the beautiful canvas that makes up your humanity. It’s totally cool to embrace and accept every single one of them.

9. You are Beyond Measure:

No matter how many voices try to label you, just remember you’re unique and special just the way you are. No matter all the noise from people trying to label you, just remember that you’re already whole and one-of-a-kind, just the way you are. Embrace your uniqueness because that’s what makes you shine in this world. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle or convince you to be anything other than your authentic self. You are a masterpiece in progress; every brushstroke of your journey adds to your beauty and depth. So, keep being the incredible, irreplaceable you!

As I stand here, an older version of the girl you once were, I can’t help but smile at the life we’ve built for ourselves. It’s a life filled with experiences, lessons, and memories that have shaped us into who we are today. But hang on, my dear, because we’re just getting started. Our journey is far from over, and countless adventures are still waiting for us on the horizon.

Together, we’ve become someone we can both stand tall and proud of, a testament to our resilience and growth. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. There’s a world of possibilities ahead, and I’m excited to embrace each new chapter, knowing that we’ll face it with the same determination and spirit that has brought us this far. So, my younger self, let’s continue this incredible journey together, for the best is yet to come.

You might wanna read: What If I Told You Your Disheveled Home Was a Sign of a Full Life?

facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
PinterestPin this blog

Posted In: Family

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get on the List

You’ll Also Love

The Negative Effects of Social Media In Young Women
7 Important Lessons I Have Learned Being a Girl Dad
How to Navigate the Complexity of Mother-Daughter Relationships with Grace!
Next Post >

What If I Told You Your Disheveled Home Was a Sign of a Full Life?

About Photo
Welcome to McKnights of Magnolia! I’m Dana, a NC based blogger covering all things beauty, petite fashion, and relationships. Welcome to my corner of the internet where relatability is key and inspiration thrives. Let's dive into the realm of relatable style, the highs and lows of motherhood, and uncover some top-notch beauty gems together. Oh, and don't miss out on the vlogs and podcasts my daughters and I share on YouTube. Join me on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery! Whether you're a new reader or an old friend, I'm dedicated to making sure your time here is both enriching and entertaining.

Stay Updated!

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop My Style
  • Videos

Search

Shop My Style

Visit the Shop

Reader Favorites

Latest on Instagram

mcknightsofmagnolia

✨ʀᴇᴀʟ ʟɪғᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ sᴛʏʟᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs✨
📍Greensboro, NC
Owner @magnoliastudiosgso 📸
👇🏾Join Me On this Authentic Journey👇🏾

It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightso It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightsofmagnolia #macadventcalendar #gso #ncblogger
At this point, we might as well be an equestrian a At this point, we might as well be an equestrian account with all the horse show content we’ve been sharing lately. 🐴

But that’s the beauty of family life—it’s ever-evolving, just like our priorities. Another weekend, another show, but being together is always in style. ❤️ 

How does your family stay connected during busy seasons?

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #FamilyLife #HorseShow #WeekendVibes #HorseRiding #FamilyTime #FamilyGoals #BusySeasons #greensboroblogger #momblogger
So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in: 1. N So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in:

	1.	Naiya had to have the viral @target fur coat. As soon as it arrived, she tore into the box like it was Christmas, threw it on, and immediately started strutting. 🧥 

	2.	My house? Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards for tidiness right now. Between horsehows every weekend, constant travel and all the daily chaos, tidying up has taken a back seat.  And the trash bag? Naiya tripped over it mid-strut, ending her runway dreams as fast as they started. And the coat still has the sensor on it. I can’t make this stuff up. 😂

Moral of the story: Life’s messy, houses get chaotic, and sometimes the trash bag wins. But moments like these? They’re what it’s all about. Embrace the chaos, laugh a little louder, and wear the fur coat—no one’s judging.

***No animals were harmed in the making of this video***
#mcknightsofmagnolia #family #targetstyle #targetfurcoat #relatable #blogger #bloggerstyle
POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it was a much-needed reset for me. 

Life has been wild lately—horse shows, laundry, upcoming holidays, and everything in between—but even in the middle of it, I made sure to carve out a little time for myself. 

The chaos will always be there. Step away, breathe, and remind yourself you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. Let’s stop glamorizing the grind and start glorifying the reset. 

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #Mexico #MexicoTrip #Trendingreels #MiniVacay #minivlog #adayinmylife #mexicotravel
Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, and maybe even a boozy brunch. Now? They mean hauling tack bags, packing endless snacks, and mentally prepping for another round of “Mom, did you wash my show jacket?!”
 
Life with teens is no joke. There’s this assumption that once your kids hit the teenage years, it’s all smooth sailing—like they suddenly transform into these self-sufficient mini-adults. Who told that damn lie!?!?!? If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know that’s the biggest myth out there. Sure, they might not need me to tie their shoes, but I’m still the go-to for everything from emotional pep talks to making sure they actually eat something that isn’t a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
 
Honestly, older kids require even more of your time and energy. The stakes are higher, the emotions are bigger, and despite their (sometimes) too-cool-for-you attitude, they still look to you for reassurance and a little grounding when things get crazy. Between horse shows, navigating friendships, and figuring out who they want to be, it feels like parenting is more hands-on than ever.

So yeah, my weekends are a wild mix of barn runs, cheering from the sidelines, and sneaking in caffeine to keep up with it all. But as busy as it is, I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. Because while they might not always say it, these teens still need us—maybe even more than they realize.

Drop your best survival tips in the comments! I can’t be the only one.  #mcknightsofmagnolia #teens #raisingteens #genx #bigkids #parenting #parentingtips #blogger #bloggerlife #momswhoblog
🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *alwa 🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *always* go for adjoining rooms—it’s seriously the best! 

If you’ve got older kids like we do, having that little extra space is a total game changer. The girls get their own room to chill, do their thing, and we get ours for a bit of peace and quiet. Perfect for those moments when you just need a break, but you’re still close enough to check in anytime.  If you know Eric, you know he’s got to have us all within his line of sight—like a dad-powered security camera!

It’s like having the best of both worlds—family time, plus a little privacy when you need it. 🙌 No hallway trips, no drama, just one door away! Highly recommend this setup if you’re planning a family vacay anytime soon.  Drop a comment if you have any travel tips to share.  I’d love to hear them.

Can’t wait to show y’all more of this resort and share our experience! 💕 Stay tuned! #FamilyVacation #GrandVelas #AdjoiningRooms #TravelWithKids #travelwithbigkids #mcknightsofmagnolia #blogger #vlogger #travelfamily #mexico #familyrelationships #rivieramaya
**Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Trav **Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Travel Style?**

On my trip to Charleston this weekend, I kept thinking about the different ways people approach travel, especially when it comes to accommodations. Some of us love the experience of staying in a luxury hotel—plush beds, room service, and on-site spas. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the whole travel experience.

Then there are some of us who prefer budget-friendly options, choosing to save on accommodations to splurge on experiences—whether it’s local cuisine, sightseeing, or excursions. For them, a hotel is simply a place to recharge before diving into the next day’s excitement.

As we were checking out of the hotel, I overheard a gentleman proudly say that his family travels frequently and manages to fit everything they need into a single backpack. Immediately, no!! I had to laugh because, let’s be real—I’m definitely not a backpack kinda girl, lol. I need options, people! Like, WTF am I supposed to put my ballgown?  What if I get invited to a formal event.  And don’t even get me started with my power tower - where am I supposed to put it?🤔

So, what kind of traveler are you?

- **Luxury Hotel**: Do you enjoy the extra comfort and make your hotel stay part of the whole experience?
 
- **Budget Hotel**: Do you prefer practicality, keeping your travel budget focused on the adventure rather than the accommodations?

And could you ever pack your whole trip into just a backpack? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them! #mcknightsofmagnolia #travelblogger #greensboroblogger #blogger #charlestonsc #charlestonplacehotel #luxurytravel #budgetfriendly #backpacker #overpacker #minimalist
August was a month to remember! From celebrating m August was a month to remember! From celebrating my 50th birthday in style to watching Liya shine at her horse shows every weekend, it was all about milestones, memories, and moments of joy. Here’s to the adventures we had and the ones yet to come! #mcknightsofmagnolia #50thbirthday #leo #mexico #familytime #magnoliacontentstudios #augustdump #ncblogger
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 McKnights of Magnolia