What 5 Things Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
There was a recent Facebook post with the following question: “Do you remember your childhood telephone number?” I remembered mine, (914) 235-0905 as did many others, however, it brought to mind an episode of The Twilight Zone.
It was the episode with the grandmother giving a toy telephone to her grandson so that they could talk after she died.
This is not something that I would ever want to do, however, if I could, I would have loved to have talked to my younger self and these are the 5 things that I would have said to her:
1 – Buy some land
I spent every summer during my high school years driving back and forth to Rehoboth Beach. I drove past miles and miles past of acres and acres of unused land, had I just purchased a few of those acres back in the 70’s, I could be retired by the ocean now!
2 – Quit Smoking -Don’t Smoke
No explanation needed. I spend 35 years of my life smoking, but after 7 times of trying, I finally quit in 2009, however, my body suffered. I wish I had never picked up a cigarette!
3 – Keep Teaching
Although the salary was extremely low in 1983, ($12,145/year) had I continued teaching I would be retired now with a full pension instead of still working a 9-5 with a 3-hour commute!
4 – Travel More
When the boys were younger as a family we did travel every year, however, I do wish that I had traveled more extensively before getting married. I would have loved to travel outside of the United States with friends but do hope to do so with hubby once I retire.
5 – Buy some Apple Stock
Instead of spending money on cigarettes I should have invested in Apple Stock – again, I would be retired by now! The company went public in 1980 with an adjusted IPO price of $2.75 per share, today it’s trading at 144.15 per share.
Let’s Chat: What are the 5 things that you would tell your younger self?
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16 thoughts on “What 5 Things Would You Tell Your Younger Self?”
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Stay in school!
And: Keep practicing the piano!
Oh yes Diane, I will add piano practicing too because my grandmother made us go every Saturday and at the time, I never could see the value of it!
The main thing I would tell my younger self is to stop being self-conscious. The only one who cared how I looked was me, and I wasted precious hours fixing my hair and makeup that would have been better spent in a thousand other ways. Also: don’t sweat the small stuff! Life is too short to worry over things that might not happen anyway.
Lisa, that is so true, but can you imagine the anxiety that the younger generation is going through now with images being how people judge you before they ever meet you, if they ever do.
The land suggestion is huge. When I look at places like Martha’s Vineyard now, after vacationing there as a teen, it lets me know what poorly kept secrets they really are.
I would only add to your list, as Diane did, get your degree. No. Matter. What. It’s 2000% harder later to finish later.
Susan, getting a degree is vital, it was when we were younger and I think it always will be – thank you for adding that.
I would have told my younger self to save $ 1 a day or more for 20 or 25 years and don’t use it. Until you reach the 20year min. I would have also told my self to save as much as l could. The future goal is to save as much as you can.
Yes, saving just $1 a day would have make life much better, no worries about financial debt!
Agreed with the NEVER smoking and finishing school. With my ongoing battles with chronic illnesses, I would also tell me to stay in good physical condition!
On a more positive note, I’d tell me being a mother was going to be amazing! 😉
Staying physically fit is vital, because if you don’t have your health you don’t have anything! Yes, definitely, motherhood is the best!
I love this! While we cannot change anything, it is always great to reflect on the past and make some positive changes for the future.
Yes, Jennifer, although we can’t change the past but it’s oftentimes fun to take a mental vacation and reflect on the past and make positive changes in the future.
If there’s something you really want, don’t back down at the first no. That would’ve been a biggy.
Yes Bonnie, always keep your eyes on the prize and don’t stop until you get it.
I can’t think of five things off the top of my head that I would tell myself. However, I do know that I would tell myself to marry my current husband and not run away from my engagement with him. I also would have insisted that I finish obtaining my teaching degree.
Crystal, glad that you did marry the man you should have, as a lot of women have that regret. Continuing Education is also one of the top ten. Thanks for your comments.