Lessons to teach your younger self

Hmm, just one: you can't control your feelings, but you can control actions.

I would tell myself to not be led by fear. Fear of the unknown, what other people think etc. Mark Manson actually has a really good article about this.
- 10 Life Lessons to Excel In Your 30s

* Faith over Fear
* Look to God for your worth
* Buy stock in Starbucks AS SOON as you start drinking it
* Don't think so much on the future, God's plans are WAY better than you could ever imagine

Study! Get motivated! Exercise more! Commit to Emma or Nadia, doesn't matter which, but pick one! Stop wasting time!

Your brother is a fool. Don't try to be like him.
Don't go into the forum that night. Go to bed instead.
Rebecca is wrong. Buy loads of Citi stock
Your child is going to be awesome. Just be patient.
You're smarter and more capable than you know. Apply yourself and don't squander it.
Don't worry about anything because God will see you through all of it.
You're family is vital so don't take them for granted.
Your grandmother is schizophrenic. Get the hell out of there.

Well, the list could be endless.
One for me would be that there are things in life...that are completely out of my control.

Gospel Trafficker said:

What lessons or advice would you share with yourself if you met your younger self?

Click to expand...

This is quite tricky because if I took my own advice I wouldn't have the amazing son and daughter I have now, but I'd tell myself that having someone willing to hang out and smoke a ton of pot with you might not be the best reason to have a family and a decade long relationship.

Trust God that whatever is happening to your life is all according to His great plan for you.

Don't be afraid
Don't be controlled by others, not even family
It will all end up OK

This is very interesting. I have often brought up what I would do if time machines existed...
1. I wouldn't have my virginity until marriage, or at least until I was older.
2. I would've finished school in a timely matter and go straight to college.
3. I would've tried to get along more with certain family members.
4. I would've been so quiet, shy, and reserved.
5. I would put GOD first, above all.

This was a different way to answer your question I suppose...

John Mayer was asked this question in an interview. He said, "I'd just give him a hug. There's nothing you could tell that kid."

That's probably true of all of us. I think back to all the good advice I got, and how so afraid and concerned about being happy that I didn't listen to them. I was scared I'd miss out on something or they might be wrong or it might not apply to my situation.

grow up emotionally, you'll need it later in your 30s

I would tell myself:

-To not trust people blindly
-To never put people on a pedestal
-That I deserve to be treated with respect
-To be more grateful
-To try to stay calm and not get so upset about things

Slow down. No need to rush. Don't be selfish. Be methodical with your words and decisions.

Definitely slow down. Don't grow up too fast.

Oh wow, where to start...

Don't spend so much time fighting with your mom, you'll realize later she was just looking out for you.

Don't start going out with Ashley. Because once you do, you'll start doing things you never thought you would, like stealing money from your family to support both of your bad habits. You'll quit high school, and end up on the streets for a year. And it will take a long time to rebuild your family's trust. (this is a double edged sword though, because if it hadn't been for you dating her then her grandmother would have never invited you to church, where you gave your life to Christ.)

Don't get married at 20 to someone you've only known for a few months, just to prove that you're a responsible adult. You got two great kids out of it, but it didn't end well.

Don't listen to people that tell you that you're not good enough or smart enough.

Don't keep life bottled up inside of you, find someone to talk to...you're not going through anything that someone else hasn't already been through.

@Big Drew, awesome reply.

I couldn't agree more with your last paragraph.

look4hope said:

@Big Drew, awesome reply.

I couldn't agree more with your last paragraph.

Click to expand...

Thanks.

You know, after thinking of this overnight, I had something occur to me...as much as I would like to go back and do some things over again, all of the bad combined with all of the good has made me who I am today...and, had I not gone through these things who knows what kind of person I would be? I would imagine very proud and arrogant, someone that people don't like to be around because of my "stuff don't stink" attitude. I can't say that for sure, of course...but just think, if I could go back and tell myself to not get married the first time, then I wouldn't have my daughters...and those girls are my world. If I had not been homeless myself, would I have compassion for those that are? I don't know.

I do regret the way I treated those that loved me when I was younger, but all of those relationships were mended. And, if not for that, would I understand forgiveness? Would I understand trust? I don't believe I would to the extent that I do now.

And I'm not saying this to come off as holy or self righteous...Lord knows I have my faults...I'm impatient, I anger easily, I sometimes entertain thoughts that I shouldn't, say things that I shouldn't...drink a little more than I should sometimes, eat more than I should...and, I can keep going, lol.

This was a really great, eye opening exercise for me.

@Big Drew....you are so right.
I too have two little ones, and they are everything to me. If things wouldn't have gone the way they did, including the heartbreaks, the tears....I mean, you nailed it with that post. Thanks for sharing btw.