Advice to Myself
Posted on August 31, 2015 by bob in EdNote
An old friend recently sent me an unexpected package in the mail. A lovely new journal, she said it was a memory book to write about my adventures, thoughts, and ideas encountered during retirement.
My friend and I share a passion for journals, especially beautiful ones. We both began keeping one during our early twenties.
Different than pictures, films, or videos, journals offer insights into what you were thinking, not just how you looked. Judy’s gift sent me on a search for those weathered memoirs. Looking through old papers and countless folders, I was searching to rediscover the 20-year-old me.
While I harbored hope my diaries would uncover the creativity of a Mary Shelley or the style of Emily Dickinson, the reality was more akin to Bart Simpson — sometimes entertaining, but generally not too illuminating. Looking back, I exhausted untold energy on things that, ultimately, never mattered. Don’t you sometimes wish you could be friends with the younger version of who you are now…and share the knowledge and wisdom your experiences have produced?
After reading her diaries, here’s some early advice I’d offer that very young, headstrong, well-intentioned girl:
— Your best friends will be those who inspire you.
— Give the boy who makes you laugh an immediate second look.
— Worrying is a leech that sucks joy from your life. Toss that sucker out.
— Don’t stay too long at one job. When the thrill is gone, find out where it went and go there.
— Exercise more now. It’s way easier than it will be later.
— Stay in touch with your siblings and old friends. You have a history together. Remembering it makes your life richer.
— Put a muzzle on that paralyzing inner voice. Choose, instead, to hear voices that give you confidence, knowledge, and encouragement.
— Vulnerability is also a strength.
— You’ll never regret letting your parents know how much you love them. Show and tell them, frequently.
— The best relationships, including marriage, are based on mutual respect.
— Don’t stress about doctor visits. There’s ample time to stress about those later.
— First cousins are God’s gift. Not close enough to share your family burdens, they understand them. They will laugh with you, cry with you, and raise you up.
— Appreciate meeting new people, exploring new challenges and the benefit of different viewpoints. If you learn something valuable, write it down.
— Occasionally chat up your highest-ranking boss. It never hurts to know the top dog.
— You can’t love your children too much. Sing to them, read to them, play with them, even when you’re bone-tired. Hug and kiss them long after they’ve passed the baby stage. You’ll be rewarded years later, when you see them as strong, self-assured adults, raising children of their own the very same way.
— Keep listening to the Beatles.
Would the 20-year-old me take my advice at such an early age? Not likely. Except for that last one. We always agreed on that.
Happy September! Let’s make it a great month!
Sandra Polizos, Editor
