What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

I’ve thought about this question so many times. If you travel back in time to give yourself guidance, in five minutes, what would you say? Oh the thoughts that streamed through my head. There’s no way five minutes would be enough.

Where would I start for crying out loud? So many decisions that are wrong when you’re young. So many stupid mistakes. Don’t try to make that jump. Don’t do another shot (I never did). Don’t kiss that girl. Don’t spend the money. Work out more. Invest more. Don’t piss off that dog. Don’t piss off that cop. Hell, I’m pretty sure every adult has thought or said, if my parents knew half the crap I did when I was young, they would have killed me.

And then there’s money. Save it. Invest it. Plan, plan, plan. I remember when I got my first credit card. Man, I was an idiot. I quickly learned about credit, lol. I think I’m still an idiot. I tell my kids, do what I tell you, not what I do.

I’ve thought long and hard. The more I thought, the more my mind found itself in the abyss of memories that I had forgotten about….some good, some bad. Do I have any regrets? My first thought is, absolutely. Tell yourself to avoid those! But…are they really regrets? I’m not sure I’ll ever definitively have an answer for that.

Five minutes. Five oh so precious minutes. There are so many things to share, but honestly, how much would I want to change. Everything that has happened to me, has made me who I am. Do I want to be someone different? No. Could I influence myself enough in five minutes to ensure I’m rich when I return? Probably not. I’ll keep my retirement plan hinged on winning the PowerBall. Any week now…its mine.

I decided there’s five things I would tell myself:

1. Love more (and show it). This includes communicating it in different ways. I never told my siblings how hard it was for me when they moved out after high school. I never explained to my parents how difficult their divorce was for me. I don’t tell anyone, nearly enough, how much I love them. I try to love more. I try to show it. I’m a guy. I hope someday, my kids know that I need them more than they need me.

2. Never stop learning. When I was young, I always was willing and strived to learn new things. Over the years, I think I’ve slacked off a bit. I’ve become complacent at times. You get in that rut that is difficult to climb out of. I need to get out of my comfort zone and seek out new things. It’s invigorating and motivating.

3. Laugh constantly. I’m about as laid back as they come and I like it that way. I have a father that has a knack for making people laugh. A trait he has passed on to his crazy kids. Laughter may not cure everything, but it sure as hell helps. I go out of my way to try to make employees laugh at least once when I’m around them. Most of them try to do the same for me. It helps. It makes difficult days easier. It makes people feel like you care.

4. Do more for yourself. Another trait I think I’ve gotten from my father. He’s always looked out for others before thinking of himself. I think I’ve got that down pat. Something I’ve learned, but sometimes forget, you need to do what is good for you. Do more of the things you love to do. Take a break from things that are stressing. You can’t please everyone all the time. Slow down, take a deep breath and relax. Stop thinking so much.

5. Listen. This doesn’t mean just hearing. It also mean paying attention to your surroundings more. Pay attention to the people you love. Sometimes their manuerisms and actions speak more than they’re willing to say. Pay attention to your dreams and nightmares (a topic for another time). I think if I listen more, it will only help me to love more, learn, laugh and yes…help me to realize I need me time.