What advice would you give your younger self, if you had the chance? Those words of wisdom that could perhaps pave the way to a brighter future?
Thinking about this topic is an introspective but also heartwarming exercise. For the fabulous 40, 50, 60-plus crowd, it can be a reflective journey of self-discovery.
The Magic that Comes with Age
At this stage in our lives, we’ve probably seen it all (not in an arrogant way). We’ve experienced ups and downs, tragedies and loss, and hopefully grown wiser with each passing year. There’s a certain magic that comes with age, and while we can’t turn back the clock, we can certainly learn from our journey and use that knowledge to improve our lives in the here and now.
So, let’s put on our reflective glasses and take a stroll down memory lane, revisiting our younger selves and the invaluable lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Embrace your Quirks and Uniqueness
Remember those moments when you tried so hard to fit in, conform to societal expectations, or change who you are? If you could talk to your younger self, the first piece of advice might be to embrace your quirks and uniqueness.
Your individuality is your strength, and it’s what makes you stand out from the crowd. So go ahead and wear those funky clothes, read those obscure books, or pursue those unconventional hobbies with pride. In the end, it’s your unique qualities that make you shine.
It’s OK to Make Mistakes
Mistakes are the stepping stones to wisdom. If you could have a chat with your younger self, you might want to say, “It’s OK to make mistakes”. Those errors and missteps have taught you valuable lessons and have made you who you are today. Embrace them and never fear trying new things, even if you stumble along the way.
Invest in your Health – the BEST Advice
Health is wealth, and the older you get, the more you realise just how true this is. If you could send only one message to your younger self, this would be it. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress. These habits will pay off in the long run, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest as you age.
Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, so you’d probably advise your younger self to make it a priority. Taking time for yourself, whether through hobbies, relaxation, or pampering, is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure to fill yours up – whatever age you are.
Nurture Your Relationships
Your older self would likely remind you that relationships are one of life’s most precious gifts. Cherish your friends, maintain close connections with family (if possible), and invest in your romantic partnerships. These bonds can provide love, support, and joy to sustain you throughout your life.
Time Is Precious
As the years go by, you realise just how quickly time passes (and we all know, the older you get, the faster it passes!). If you could talk to your younger self, you might tell them to use time wisely, pursue their passions, and spend time with the people who matter most.
Don’t put off your dreams for tomorrow; start working on them today. This is good advice at any age.
Take Risks and Embrace Change
In your forties and beyond, you understand the value of taking risks and embracing change. So perhaps you would encourage your younger self to be fearless, to step out of your comfort zone, and to welcome change as an opportunity for growth. Life is an adventure, and every twist and turn adds to the richness of your story.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy (a saying attributed to Theodore Roosevelt). If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, it might be to stop comparing yourself to others. You are on your unique journey, and your path is entirely your own.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and always appreciate your progress.
Find Your Passions
One of the joys of getting older is the chance to explore and discover your passions. So perhaps you’d remind your younger self to follow their heart, explore different interests, and find what truly makes their soul sing. Life is too short to spend it doing things you’re not passionate about.
One Final Piece of Advice – it’s Never Too Late
One final piece of advice we would definitely convey to our younger selves is that it’s never too late. No matter where you are in life, you have the power to make positive changes and pursue your dreams.
Age is just a number, and the best is yet to come.
And Finally – Advice for the Age you are Now
Imagine if we could turn back the hands of time and have these insights as young people. We might be living completely different lives today. But the beauty of growing older is that we can apply these lessons now.
So, whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, take a moment to reflect on your journey, appreciate your growth, and then continue embracing life with all its ups and downs. The wisdom you’ve gained is a treasure, and it’s never too late to make your life the best it can be.
Here’s to the fabulous 40-plus crowd!
Advice to your Younger Self, In Brief
- Embrace your quirks and uniqueness
- It’s OK to make mistakes
- Invest in your health
- Prioritise self-care
- Nurture your relationships
- Time is precious
- Take risks and embrace change
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Find your passions
- It’s never too late
We’d love to know what advice you’d give your younger self, so do let us know, either contact us here or on social media.