WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Life is somewhat like a video game. You start at beginner’s level and at first it seems very difficult to master it. The more times you play it, the quicker you learn it and then, before you know it, you reach a higher level. When you get to that higher level, the game gets even more difficult. But again, over time, you ace it and get to a higher level.

It is the same thing with life. We go through hardships so that we can learn some lessons. When we learn our lessons, we avoid the same problems. When we don’t learn our lesson, we face the same problem again and again until we learn the lessons we need to learn. Once we learn those lessons, we may face bigger challenges and again, we will also learn to overcome it. 

As I reflect on my journey in life and look back, I often ask myself, what would I advise my younger self? Had I known what I know now (thanks to the gift of hindsight), how would I have done life differently?

This is what I would say to my younger self:

1. STAY IN THE NOW. 

Don’t worry about the future, whether you will get that job, whether this guy will break your heart or whether you will get that promotion. Things have a way of working out. They always do. The important thing to do is to stay in the NOW and cherish it. This present moment will soon turn into the past. So create memories and be happy.

2. YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Do not let other people’s opinions about you affect you. Believe that you are created on purpose and for a purpose. You can be the finest chocolate in the world and yet there will be someone who doesn't like chocolate. So drown out the outside noise and focus on yourself. Get to know the person that you are and appreciate your amazing self. You are a work in progress and you are also a masterpiece. Accept that and love that about you.

3. YOU ARE POWERFUL.

Always remember you are part of this magnificence we call the Universe. The same power that exists in the universe exists in you. Your body, mind and spirit can heal itself. And if you focus and journey inward, you can train yourself to be, do and have anything you want. Don’t wait for permission to shine. You are powerful So step into that power. 

4. TAKE MORE RISKS.

Don’t be scared to embark on something new when your heart is leading you there. There is no such thing as failure, only lessons. Your greatest regret will not be what you do, but what you do not do. Buy that house, date that guy, eat that chocolate. Live a little, laugh a little more.

5. BE GRATEFUL.

You are allowed to dream, you are allowed to want more. At the same time, appreciate what you have and express that sense of gratitude. Be grateful for who you are, what you have, the people in your life - those who come as blessings and those who come as lessons - appreciate both of them and be grateful for all of life’s ups and downs. It's these peaks and troughs that create the magic in you.

Can you identify with any of these? What lessons can you take from your past into your future?