COMMENTS

13 responses to “Open Thread Update: If I knew then….”

1. I would tell my younger self to speak up and speak out. I would tell her you’re stronger and more resilient than you think you are. Be brave!

   Reply to Harriet

2. I am a senior that worked hard for 50+ years. If I was to do it over again I would just live off of the government and charity and have my freedom. Many are doing this and still have free food and shelter and making out okay.

   Reply to Larry D Matthews

3. I’d tell my younger self that all older people are not stupid or crazy, that you should take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and be careful of those who may stab you in the back along the way in your career. I don’t mean to sound so negative but these things really happen.

   Reply to Sally

4. I regret many things I DID NOT DO!! I would tell my younger self to enjoy life, never pass a good opportunity, never take anything very seriously (except motherhood, children are precious if you choose to have them), to be wise but take calculated risks. And,above all, to be independent!

   Reply to Conceição Brito

5. That things will happen in your life that you do not understand and you will not like it.
   It’s ok. Some things are not meant to be understood and it is all a part of life.
   You will survive.

   Reply to Michele

6. You are here for the long haul. There will be a time when you can’t remember what you worried about.
   When you are young, remember your body has to last a long time. Take care of it.
   You will have heartaches and joys and you will keep in keeping on. It’s worth it.

   Reply to Brenda Price

7. I’d tell myself that having work-life balance is essential to one’s health and wellbeing. Few of us look back on our lives and say “Gosh, I wish I spent more time at work and missed out on more family time and fun.”
   You are in charge of your happiness! Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it is still a gift!
   In addition to respecting your elders, respect the younger generation and their opinions. Give advice, not criticism — just as you desired from your elders growing up.

   Reply to Joe Isaacs

8. I wish I knew that I was OK just the way I was. I was afraid of doing so much for fear of making mistakes and either damaging myself or being called a fool. But I am working on it. And this year – my 70th I sang with a chorale group in Carnegie Hall and took a safari to South Africa! I am still pinching myself!

   Reply to Sandra Palmquist

9. I would say please don’t take things so personally. Consider that you don’t know the other person’s motivation.
   Don’t compare yourself with others as if everyone else has it together while you do not.
   I love the book title “Feel the fear and do it anyway”—an excellent way to experience the fullness of possibilities.

   Reply to Marilyn Stolove

   1. Great book title!

      Reply to Sandra Palmquist

10. I’d tell my younger self you are going to have a husband who loves you for three decades, and after he dies you will have a wonderful life filled with joy. You will travel around the world and meet amazing people on your journey.

    Reply to Arlene Finn

11. Agree about the loud music which gifted me with tinnitus today, as well as sticking with the foreign language classes in college, French in my case.
    I would also tell my younger self repeatedly that it’s OK to be exactly who you are and to find ways to be grateful every day for that.
    Only then can we ever successfully achieve our goals, which then leads to more healthy self-esteem. It’s a positive and joyful vicious cycle.
    Find a way to inner peace. A must for living this life.

    Reply to gail katz

12. Sacrificing that money for retirement investment out of your paycheck each payday will turn out to be WORTH IT. Start early.

    Reply to William Neil McDonald