I Dare You to give advice to your younger self

I ran across an article titled Advice to My Younger Self. I’ve thought many times over the years, “I wish I’d done this differently” or “If I’d only known how this was going to turn out” I’m always very cautious about giving advice to others. As a parent, I give advice rather freely. Although, with adult children, I try to be a bit more careful on doling out words of wisdom. I have to remind myself  “THEY ARE ADULTS!”  Advice to adult children could be an entirely different post all on its own.

I wonder would I believe my older self’s advice. Would the younger me think this old broad is nuts I’d never let things go there?  If I heeded the older me’s advice would it trigger an avalanche of different challenges and consequences? I always believe good or bad some things are meant to be and certain people were supposed to be in my life regardless of how they got there.

But for kicks and giggles I thought maybe there are a few things I should reflect on and possibly there are a few nuggets someone else might learn from or at the very least enjoy.

#1 This too shall pass-I can remember worrying over financial situations or my teenagers not growing up to be successful adults. I fretted, stewed and cried over a great many things and made myself all kinds of miserable over things that I had little or no control over. In 6 months or a year later things always looked different.  This challenge or awful situation will soon pass.

#2 It’s never too soon to start thinking, planning or saving for retirement-I really got serious about retirement without the worry of having to eat dog food when I was 80 at about 40. Yes, being an old person being so poor and forced to eat dog food is one of my fears. Before age 40 I had kids that needed shoes or fees for events or whatever else that came at me from being a parent.  Start early at least thinking about investing in real estate or saving X amount of dollars starting at 40. So, when 40 hits at least you are not starting at zero and have only been reacting to the next unexpected bill. Make retirement saving plans early. Ask everyone who has been successful at it questions, read books and articles. Some of this will stick and will prepare you for a life after working full time. 

#3 Prepare emotionally for the loss of Mom & Dad- I’m not sure how I’d do this, the end for both of parents was ugly. I hope my own kids will be spared that when I get old and frail.

#4 Don’t let a man control your destiny-stand up for yourself, be brave, do it yourself, stand up for yourself. If he isn’t okay with that then let him move on.  Refer to lesson #1 this too shall pass. It might feel like a kidney stone, but you will be better and HAPPIER if you stand up for yourself or even facing things alone. 

#5 Don’t underestimate yourself in your 30’s-you can handle that promotion, you should pursue that next career goal, you are smart enough. Age 50 comes too quickly and you’ll wish you had not underestimated yourself. Take the chance!

These are my top 5 lessons for my younger self.  Given enough time I might be able to come up with more.  

If I could sit face to face with my younger self I would likely tell her to avoid many other things and embrace others, but would I change the younger me too much? I don’t know, but it is certainly something to ponder.