If I could travel back in time and have a heart-to-heart conversation with my younger self, there are some pieces of advice I would share with myself. Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and while we can't change our past, we can certainly learn from it. In this blog post, I'll explore five valuable pieces of advice I would offer to my younger self in the hopes that they may resonate with others as well.
i. Embrace Your Uniqueness
One of the first things I would tell my younger self is to embrace my uniqueness. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others, trying to fit in, or conforming to societal expectations. However, it's essential to recognize that our individuality is what makes us special. Embracing our quirks, passions, and distinctiveness can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I struggled with this for the longest time, but when it clicked for me, boy did it click for me! I cannot be in any environments now where I cannot be myself. My mantra for this is "If I want to be free, I've got to be me. Not the Me I think you think I should be. Not the me I think my wife thinks I should be. Not the me I think my kids think I should be, but if I want to be free, I've gotta be me. So I'd better know who me is."(Bob Proctor)
ii. Failure Is a Stepping Stone to Success
In my youth, I often feared failure. I would tell my younger self that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. It's through our failures and mistakes that we learn, grow, and become resilient. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams and taking risks. Instead, view each setback as an opportunity to learn and improve. Our parents inculcated this insane fear around failure, and I still battle with it, but I am now able to frame it differently for myself. The mantra I use is "Fail forward".
iii. Invest in Your Health and Well-being
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I would share with my younger self is the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. Often, we take our physical and mental health for granted in our youth. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices, can have a profound impact on our overall happiness and longevity. Start building these habits early, and they will serve you well throughout life. I am so observant now about my health and well-being, but I know that if I had invested in it earlier, outcomes would have been better. I can't help but apply the mantra "Healthy body, healthy mind!"
iv. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
While it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, I would remind my younger self to prioritize cultivating meaningful relationships. Friendships and connections with family members and loved ones are what provide us with support, love, and a sense of belonging. Make an effort to nurture these relationships, cherish the moments you spend together, and be present in your interactions. I have learnt the importance of the right relationships, as one has to be careful about the energies we allow into our space. Understanding toxic family members and friends, as well as how to navigate those relationships has been such a discovery for me. My go-to thought on this always boils down to "Go where you're celebrated and not where you're tolerated".
v. Follow Your Passions
Lastly, I would encourage my younger self to follow my passions and pursue what truly makes me happy. Life is too short to be stuck in a job or a path that doesn't align with your interests and values. Identify your passions, set goals, and work towards them with determination and enthusiasm. When you are passionate about what you do, it not only brings you joy but also fuels your motivation to succeed. I cannot emphasize this enough! We realize too late on in life how short our time actually is, and how fleetingly it whizzes by. My mantra for this is "Follow your bliss!"
While we can't turn back the clock and change our past, we can certainly learn from it. The advice I would offer to my younger self revolves around embracing individuality, overcoming the fear of failure, prioritizing health and well-being, nurturing meaningful relationships, and following one's passions. These lessons have shaped my life and continue to guide me as I navigate the challenges and opportunities that come my way. Ultimately, I hope these insights can inspire others to reflect on their own journeys and make positive choices for their futures.
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