What Was I Thinking?

Last week, while out visiting, I encountered a very thought-provoking post at SassyFemme’s, about what advice she would give to her younger self, if such a thing were possible. I’ve thought about that quite a bit. Lord knows I needed some advice. Probably wouldn’t have taken it, though. That’s part of what it means to be young. And of course, “young” is a relative term. I imagine if I make it to 70-something, I’ll have much wisdom that my 40-something self could have really used. In general, I think we learn the most from our mistakes. If we are exceptionally bright and blessed, we learn by observing others’ mistakes.

Anyhow, I wish I’d known these things a little earlier in life; and some of them, I am still trying to fully embrace:

• You are never without options.

• You weren’t put here to settle. Dream BIG.

• With very few exceptions, it is none of your business what other people think of you. (paraphrased from a quote by Michael J. Fox)

• Much is required of those to whom much is given (Luke 12:48). This is a foundational truth of your life. Acknowledging it will push you toward success. Rebelling against it will cause you pain. Every. single. time.

• Mercy is greater than justice. Ask for it for yourself, and extend it to others.

• The importance of caring for your health cannot possibly be overstated.

• This includes your mental health. Don’t put garbage in your mind, or allow anyone else to.

• Do it afraid. This little slogan appears, from time to time, on a post-it note on the visor in my car. I put it there when I need the reminder. It is the short version of the quote, attributed to various people, “Courage is not the absence of fear; it is doing the right thing, afraid.”

• Breathing will get you through many things you think you can’t get through. Become a master breather.

• Choose to laugh. First, at yourself.

• Don’t hand over your power to humans.

• The sooner you let go of the illusion of control, the sooner things will work out for you.

There were some things I started to include, but the more I thought about it, I realized these were things I already knew when I was young. I knew them before many of my contemporaries knew them, it seemed:

• Life is not fair. If you hold on to the expectation that it is, or should be, you’ll be quite unhappy.

• Give others a break. Everyone hurts somewhere.

UPDATE: As I thought would happen, your comments are very stimulating and keep making me say, “Yea! That, too!” I’ll try not to keep adding every time you inspire me, but Kranki brought to mind one that I do always tell myself and anyone else who will listen:

• If you feel something is missing in your life, create it, and share it. For example, if you feel unappreciated, make it a point to be more thankful, to show appreciation to everyone who contributes to your getting through the day. If you don’t have enough money, see what you can give away. Give what you want to get. Put out into the world that which you desire more of in your life. Many wiser than I have expressed this principle better than I, like . . . . Carly Simon: It’s coming around again. Or the Apostle Paul: A man reaps what he sows (Galations 6:7).

What would you say to younger you?

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