If only I could turn back time
(Cue in loud sigh).
I definitely know that a lot of you guys can relate to this.
We all have those moments where in we wished that we could have done this, did away with that and change our lives in between.
We tend to be fixated in how our past went, with all the decisions we made and those we didn’t that we forget to live and enjoy the now.
But really, who’s to blame?
This was the thought that came into mind while I was reflecting this morning, as I took a day off from work because I wasn’t really feeling well due to my 2nd booster shot. I guess you can say that it was a much needed break from it all. And I need to listen to my body.
Having this “free” time today, I got to reflect about my life and wondered: how different will my life be if my younger self knew all the lessons I have taken to heart now?
The vision of my clueless, highly gullible grade school self who was ridiculed and bullied by other kids suddenly had a huge grin on his face.
I mean imagine, what if kids would learn their concepts of self-worth, self-care and self-love at an early age? What if much value was also given on how to become self-empowered, as much as being equip with technical skills?
I wish they taught these life lessons back then in school.
But hey, never too late to teach the younger generations now right?
1.) It’s ok to be different
This. There is no right or wrong concept of self. Everyone is free to become whatever he or she wants to be. You don’t always have to conform and going against the flow does not make one a bad person. One’s uniqueness is a gift and authenticity is a super power. Never let anyone make you feel that you’re less of a person if you sparkle a little brighter, a little more colorful than others. Honor yourself, young Unicorn.
2.) It’s ok to change dreams
Don’t pressure yourself too much kiddo on becoming what you initially thought you wanted or what your parents (and everyone else) around you think what’s best for you. It’s ok to take the steering wheel and go another direction. You’re not a failure that way; you’re merely following your heart and living your passion. You can change your mind for as many times as you want to, but know at the end of the day, you’re heart will stay where it feels like home. So until then, keep dreaming. You’ll end up where you’re truly meant to be.
3.) Success is not just about fame and fortune
Do away with the perception that getting good grades and being in a good school will guarantee your success. They won’t. Plus, success doesn’t even have to be defined always as something that’s flashy– you need not have the most prestigious profession, the biggest achievement or the richest to be considered successful. Don’t let others define what success means for you. Own it, may it be simply finishing a task or getting a passing grade, you need to give yourself more credit. And know as you age, dear kiddo, you will realize that there is so much more to life than just being successful. So instead of aiming to become successful in what you do, aim to be genuinely happy instead because fulfilment outweighs success.
4.) You become what you think you are
Uhuh. Your mind is that powerful. It’s not the words of others which define you. It’s how you see yourself and what you allow in your space that defines you at present. So quit paying attention to other people trying to bring you down, stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey and what feels genuinely true to you. At the end of the day, it’s all about you so must learn to take responsibility for yourself and your actions, because no one else will. Your mind is a blank canvas, make sure you paint a masterpiece of yourself in it, kid.
5.) Not everything (or everyone) will matter in the long run
Quit sulking over things that have gone wrong. Stop trying to please everyone around you just to fit in. Just live life as it is. Enjoy. Because eventually, you will realize that not everything will still be part of your next chapter. And that’s ok. Just be open to changes and embrace the beautiful person you’re becoming. And yes, you will be able to replace all the people you’ve outgrown, end up with an even better dream and make sense of why things had to be the way they were initially. Trust yourself and the process more and be brave enough to live life in your way, your time.
I hope you can share these lessons to younger people who need to be reminded that their own #bestmeever is just around the corner.
And don’t forget to share with your younger self too.
As you grow in harmony with each other.
