If You Could Give One Thing to Your Past Self

Recently, I turned 70, and people often mistake me for the husband of my 95-year-old mother. Looking back, my 20-year-old self had a lot of misconceptions and expectations. Today, I want to share with you the wisdom I would give to my younger self.

Life Experiences and Lessons

The world tends to be much worse than expected. I learned that Americans, and people in general, can be quite ignorant, shallow, and unhelpful during emergencies. I had to face these harsh realities throughout my life. If I could give one piece of advice to my 20-year-old self, it would be to avoid the pitfalls that come with ignoring these truths. I would caution him against false optimism and the belief that the world will always be perfect.

Growing Up and Personal Developments

As I reflect on my life, I realize that my physical appearance is no longer the priority it once was. By 34, we lose our six-pack, and I would advise my younger self to prioritize experiences and relationships over appearances. The energy spent on trying to maintain a youthful physique could have been better used on more meaningful pursuits.

Self-Esteem and Self-Love

I learned that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved. It’s important to focus on your inner worth rather than constantly striving for external validation. Love is a journey, and the things that break your heart often open your eyes to what truly matters. Many days pass, and years go by quickly. Live your life, embrace it, and remember that you are part of something much greater than yourself.

Health and Habits

A significant lesson I learned was to avoid smoking. Today, at 57, I have faced numerous health issues, including angioplasties, a quintuple bypass, and limited lung capacity. All of these are direct results of my smoking habit. If I could go back, I would warn my 19-year-old self not to start smoking, as it would ruin my life.

Trust and Resilience

Another piece of advice I would give is to trust your instincts. They are rarely wrong. Know your worth and stand up for yourself. Be honest and open, even if it’s not always liked. Life is too short to let others walk all over you. Embrace your worth and let others see it.

Past Struggles and Happiness

Looking back to my 16-year-old self, who was chronically bullied, overweight, lonely, depressed, and suicidal, I would like to reassure him that he would eventually lose weight and get married. However, I wouldn’t be entirely honest. I endured bullying and abuse into my adulthood, and suffered financial hardships through no fault of my own. My marriage wasn’t truly happy until I was 53.

I love my life now, but it took a long time to get here. If I had been completely honest, my 16-year-old self might have given up. Instead, I want him to know that patience and resilience are key. Each step leads to another, and eventually, you will find your happiness.

So, to your younger self, remember this: life is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the journey, trust yourself, and keep moving forward. You are enough, and you deserve love and happiness.