Advice to my Younger Self (Part 2)

 In Part 1 of "Advice to my Younger Self" I shared advice I would have given to my younger self, if such a thing were possible.

In Part 2 of "Advice to my Younger Self" I will share answers from others, in response to the question, "What bit of advice would you give to your younger self?"

I asked many people, younger and older, male and female, what advice they would give to their younger selves. The following, in random order, is an anonymous compilation of replies. Some have been slightly edited for brevity and clarity. Thank you to everyone who shared their bits of advice with me.

·         Stand up straight.

·         I would tell my younger self to hold off on committing to someone else as a life partner until I'm sure I've fulfilled a commitment to loving and discovering myself - to know what I want, be fearless in reaching for it, and strong enough to say no to what feels like someone else's plan for me, never forgetting that kindness will smooth the way for all of that.

·         I would tell my younger self that the most important thing to learn is that you are not separate or isolated from humanity and the universe. You don’t have to feel afraid. Instead of feeling like you’re always in danger of injury or failure, if you focus instead on how you can help others, and you find purpose in being of service, you will experience joy, you will love and be loved, and you will always know that you belong and are appreciated.

·         To my shy kid/teenager self: Be more open to new adventures!

·         Seeking out mentors and real-world experiences is more important than making perfect grades.

·         Don’t let anyone else hold you back.

·         When presented with a good opportunity, take it.

·         To my early teen self: Enjoy being young and not aspiring to get to adulthood too quickly. Don’t rush to college and shave off years there by taking advanced classes in high school. There is a saying: “To everything there is a season,” and that is the one season too many teens cheat themselves out of. No driver’s license at 15, no job to buy a car, no acting so wise and “adult.” Just play.

·         To my young adult self: Save a part (even small) of everything you earn, every time you earn it, and never get in debt beyond what you can plan to pay off in a year (except for a house or car). Do without until you can really afford it.

·         Travel, make good friends, and smile from your heart.

·         I love you no matter what. You may mess up, but always remember that I love you, and I’m always here for you.

·         To my 21-year-old self… Don’t be afraid to stand in the darkness to you recognize the light when it returns. In other words, take time to deal with issues. Don’t be in a hurry to gloss over with drugs, alcohol, food, sex… any addiction. Fix your problems and issues as they come up! For me, it’s self-awareness and a strong spiritual belief!

·         I would tell my child and pre-teen self, “Don’t worry so much about what other people think of you, just enjoy being yourself.”

·         Start saving for retirement early!!! If I’d known then what I know now about compound interest, I’d be rich.

·         All those times you want to try eating gluten to see if you still get sick – Don’t do it!

·         Don’t sign up for the public speaking class with the professor listed as TBA

·         If it’s something to want, go for it, even if it seems crazy.

·         Don’t care so much about what other people think.

·         Whatever education you receive in your life, no one can take that away from you.

·         Live, above all else, live; don’t simply exist.