Wisdom that I could teach to my 20 year old version
Have you ever thought about what you’d teach your younger self if you could hop into a time machine and chat with them? Well, I recently took a moment to ponder this question, and let me tell you, it led me down a path of reflection and discovery. So, without any due let me get started right away.
First off, let’s talk about boundaries. You know, those invisible lines we draw around ourselves to protect our time, energy, and feelings? Yeah, those are crucial. I wish I’d learned to set boundaries earlier on. It’s okay to say no, to prioritize yourself, and to let people know when they’ve crossed a line. And speaking of saying no, being a “yes” person isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, it’s nice to be helpful and accommodating, but not at the expense of your own well-being. Learning to say no when something doesn’t align with your values or goals is a skill worth mastering.
Then, let’s tackle the idea of fitting in. I always doubted my looks and my height and I was in awe of people who looked better than me. Because I was short heighted there were so many thing in which I did not take part in. I have been there where I tried to mold myself into what I thought others wanted me to be. But you know what? True happiness comes from embracing who you are, quirks and all. Whether you’re short, tall, round, or thin, own it. And if there’s something about yourself you want to change, do it for you, not for anyone else.
Ah then, chasing after people who aren’t into you. It’s a tale as old as time, isn’t it? But let me save you some heartache: don’t do it. Your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s attention or affection. And if you find yourself going down that road, never forget to hold onto your self-respect. You should be able to realize when you want to stop.
Furthermore I wanted to talk about emotions. Oh boy, they can be a rollercoaster, can’t they? I always chased happiness. I focused on short term happiness. I had this idea that you have a short time to live, capture whatever happy moments you can. But happiness is not a destination; it’s a journey. Don’t put pressure on yourself to be happy all the time. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, frustration — these emotions are just as important as happiness. It’s all part of the rich tapestry of life. We need to learn to give yourself the time and space to process those emotions. They’ll settle in due time, trust me.
Next is Financial independence, travel, building relationships — these are all things I wish I’d prioritized earlier. There’s a big, beautiful world out there waiting to be explored, and there’s no time like the present to start building the life you want. Learn to make money. Identify your own talents and start putting some work in the area of your interests and then learn to save. No amount is small. Save and invest is something that gonna benefit you and the sooner the better.
While discussing the vastness of the world, I recall a video featuring Sudha Murthy, a renowned philanthropist from India. In the video, she eloquently stated that within this universe, there exist thousands of galaxies, each containing countless planets. Among these planets, Earth is but one. On Earth, there are approximately 8 billion people inhabiting various countries. Within the country of India alone, there are 29 states, each comprising numerous cities, towns, and villages, with millions of individuals residing in them. In this grand scheme, each of us is merely a tiny part. We are too insignificant to harbor feelings of egoism.
And let’s not forget about curiosity. Never lose that spark of wonder. Explore the things that pique your interest, dive deep into subjects that fascinate you, and never stop learning.
Lastly, I want to tell to my younger version is that I could trust myself that I am capable of achieving anything. This trust would have helped me stick to the things that I started.
So, there you have it, my younger self. A few lessons to ponder as you navigate this crazy journey called life. Remember, you’re capable of incredible things, and the world is yours for the taking. Embrace who you are, follow your passions, and never stop growing. You’ve got this. Because all these things I realized late in my life, It is still a work in progress. I am trying to be a better person everyday. I want to just compare myself to my previous day version and make it better today.