What advice would you give to your younger self, if you had the chance? Have you ever thought about some words of wisdom you could impart that could perhaps pave the way to a brighter future?
Thinking about this topic can be an introspective but also heartwarming exercise. If you’re a member of the fabulous 40, 50, 60+ crowd, perhaps you’d like to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection with us.
The Magic that Comes with Age, and Being Part of the 40+ Crowd (and Some!)
At this stage in our lives, we’ve probably seen it all. We don’t mean this in an arrogant way, but like many people in our age group we’ve experienced the many ups and downs, tragedies and losses of life, and hopefully grown wiser with each passing year. (Not so sure about that mind you. 🫣😆)
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, revisit our younger selves, and check out the invaluable lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Revisiting Our Younger Selves
So what would we tell our younger selves? And what kind of difference could it make to our lives right now?
Embrace your Quirks and Uniqueness
Remember those moments when you tried so hard to fit in? When you felt you needed to change who you were to conform to societal expectations? If you could talk to your younger self, then 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. Because in the end, it’s your unique qualities that make you shine.
It’s OK to Make Mistakes
Mistakes can be called 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 mis-steps 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.
(There are loads of books out there for anyone interested in the different aspects of how our pasts have shaped/changed us. One we’d highly recommend is The Art of Letting Go, which teaches us how to let go of the past, to enable us to enrich the present.)
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, we reckon this would probably be it: to eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress.
It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely beneficial as these habits will pay off – especially 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. Speaking to your younger self you may want to tell them to make it a priority. Taking time for yourself, whether through hobbies, relaxation, or pampering, is essential for mental and emotional well-being. (See our 30-day self-care challenge for some ideas if you need them.)
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 probably remind you that relationships are one of life’s most precious gifts. Cherish your friendships, maintain close connections with family* if possible, and invest in your romantic partnerships. These bonds can provide love, support, and joy that will sustain you throughout the years.
*We realise not all family connections are beneficial, so obviously this will depend on your personal circumstances. Do what works for you. Read here for advice on dealing with the negative people in your life.
Time Is Precious
Obviously, this is a biggie! As the years go by, you realise just how quickly time passes (and we all know that the older you get, the faster it passes). If you could talk to your younger self, you might tell them that time is precious and to use it wisely: to pursue their passions, and spend time with the people who matter most.
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, you’d advise them not to put off their dreams for tomorrow: to start working on them today. This is good advice at any age and applies to us all.
Take Risks and Embrace Change
In your forties and beyond, you understand the value of taking risks and embracing change. Perversely, you may also be more afraid of things than when you were younger, because you know the risks involved. This especially applies to things like dangerous sports, which some of the more ‘mature’ crowd may eschew for something safer.
But we’d still encourage our younger selves to be fearless, to step out of our comfort zones, and to welcome change as an opportunity for growth. Life is an adventure, and every twist and turn adds to the richness of our story.
If we Could Only Give One Piece of Advice to our Younger Selves it Would Be This: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
In the modern world of social media and the impossibly high standards young people are exposed to on a daily basis, it’s important to remember the saying, ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ (attributed to Theodore Roosevelt).
If you could give just one piece of advice to your younger self, it might be to stop comparing yourself to others. This is easier said than done. However, you’re on your own unique journey and your path is entirely your own.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and always, 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, to explore different interests, and to find what truly makes their soul sing.
Life is far too short to spend it doing things we’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 may be living completely different lives today. But the beauty of growing older is that we can apply these lessons right now. For example, we may not be able to become an Olympic athlete, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get enjoyment from our favourite sport and give our best to it.
So whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Appreciate your growth, and then continue embracing life with all of its ups and downs. Wisdom gained is something to treasure, and it’s never too late to make your life the best it can possibly be.
Here’s to the fabulous 40+ 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.
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