I’ve recently found myself longing for the past. The days when I was healthier, happier, and felt like I had good things going for me. I keep wishing for a time machine so I could relive the good ole’ days but also do some things over (mostly do some things over). Since we all know that time travel is not possible, I thought of some things I wish someone would have told the younger me.
- Take care of your health – It’s no secret that when you’re young you feel invincible. Stay out all night, eat whatever your heart desires, and keep pushing your body to its limit. That is, until you go over the edge and find yourself sick as a dog out in the rain. Take time to evaluate your lifestyle habits. Get enough rest, stress less, exercise a few days a week, eat right, build good relationships and be physically and emotionally at your best.
- Forgive generously – I’ve held my fair share of grudges and regretted each and every one of them. I blacklisted the boy who chose one of my best friends over me, the friend that always flaked last minute, and on and on. Recently I saw a girl who I vowed to “backlist” forever from my life. She warmly asked me how I was, and told me a little bit of what was going on in her life, and my heart sank. Whatever that had went wrong between us she obviously let go (while I was clutching on to the hate like a crab who just got ahold of a big toe). So much time has passed and sadly so much time has been lost. I could have mended the relationship years ago and kept this person as my friend.
- Love harder – Cherish your loved ones like they’re beautiful snowflakes. Here one moment and then gone the next. I’ve never felt how temporary life is until now. A good friend of mine unexpectedly lost his father two months ago and might be on the verge of losing his grandmother to stroke. My own mom has been battling paroxysmal atrial fibrillation for years and has experienced an obvious decline in health. I know sometimes it may seem that your friends or family will be there to hang out or annoy you forever but they really aren’t.
- Be involved – We all have had good intentions to “help others and make this world a better place.” My advice to you: do it. Honestly, what better time than the present (cause now maybe your only chance). No more just thinking of wanting to do good and—Just. Do. It. Look up volunteer opportunities at your local animal shelter, Salvation Army, senior citizen community center, church, or school. There are so many places that need help you just need to dive right in.
- Ask for guidance – What could you lose from asking someone you trust for advice? Lately, I’ve been earnestly seeking the Lord for what to do next in my life because I’ve come to a point where I have absolutely no idea what to do. I really believe that the percent of things that I did wrong could have been slashed in half if I sought some sort of council. True, some of the negative experiences have made me grow. But there were several choices I made that were not necessary and could have saved me a lot of trouble.
My heart is still sad that I can’t redo things over so that my present circumstances could be better—but I feel like this list can serve as a reminder of what to do here on out.
If you’re still breathing—it’s not over yet. Go out there and live.
Always,
Faith