I think sometimes my brain has a thought process all of it own. I was pouring myself some coffee (shocking I know) and somehow found myself thinking about what advice I would give my younger self had I the opportunity. I think it may all stem from the focus I’ve been putting on the Coffee with Soul series, new blog and such. It’s all about figuring out life and sharing the lessons with each other. There may be a connection there.
Well let’s see..some of the thoughts that came about were kind of funny (don’t buy that outfit because someone will take a picture of you wearing it and you’ll be the butt of jokes til the end of time lol).
Some were a bit more serious like that guy isn’t any good for you; he’ll just break your heart or don’t trust that person they will steal your stuff. Then again, after thinking it over I recanted that. Those experiences while unpleasant, gave me wisdom and built up my resilience. I also wouldn’t have met one of my good friends otherwise…so yeah..the heart ache stays.
The more I got to thinking about it I realized how many blessings in the form of upset, pain and loss were given to me. Some were unanswered prayers that you can later look back on and to realize how what you wanted so badly wasn’t what was good for you. Some led me to better understanding, patience and the ability to fulfill the calling and the journey I am on right now.
And to be perfectly honest…I know me. I probably would not have learned those lessons all that well without the impact that the actual experience had, so what would I share with my younger self?
So I kept thinking about it..and kept thinking about it. Seriously I was driving myself nutty (I know..short trip right? lol)
If I had opportunity to give some advice to my younger self what would I say? I of course, made it even tougher because I limited this to one thing.
Suddenly, I realized what was the biggest lesson, the most important and hardest won lesson I had to impart. The one that shifted my entire belief system (and still on occasion tries to speak up from my subconcious..sigh..it’s a long process in some cases).
And it was this.
Don’t bother looking to others around where you should be in life.
We each have our own journey and must start where we are and with what we have right now, today with a grateful heart.
So, at the risk of making you down two cups of coffee, and taking a long walk in order to figure it out, I ask you for your best and only bit of truth you’d impart to your younger self.
My advice to self would be to live in the now according to the 5 agreements and learn early how to avoid taking anything personal.
My advice to my younger self would have been not to be so trusting of others when it comes to business. Oh my, I could tell you stories, but then, thankfully I did learn from those mistakes. But I sure wish I didn’t have to go through it all. lol
Oh, I know what this is today 😉
“Until you can be sincerely, really, and deeply proud of yourself, don’t be looking for others to be or do that for you first.”
Hmm…my advice would so alter the path I’m on now; I have no idea where I’d be if I would tell myself to stay away from my ex-wife in college (I’d miss out on my kids) and to follow a different path in my education. It is what it is. I doubt I’d have listened then anyways.
It’s quite a paradox isn’t it? We’d like to avoid the pain, heartaches and such but without those…we’d lose some pretty awesome stuff too.
I think my advice to younger self would be to live in the moment and don’t worry about pleasing others. I have learned the same lessons that you have, Bonnie. You can’t please everyone so you have to find what makes you happy and go for it.
Are you like me as well then Janette in that you probably wouldn’t have really listened lol
Never take advice from someone who has not traveled the path. Their bias will hold you back from yours.
There is a funny rub there Roy, If I am taking advice from my future self I have walked that path…but if I take the advice..my path might (probably) change. Add to that I might not then learn what I had been trying to impart. Still it’s interesting to reflect isn’t it?