Recently turning 29 made me reflect on my past. I’ve had my share of challenges — dealing with insecurities, doubts, depression, identity crisis, bullying, my parent’s divorce, struggles in school, pressure from expectations, and feeling lost. In retrospect, I can see how these challenges shaped me into the person I am today. But as I get closer to 30, I’ve wondered about what I would say to my younger self if given the opportunity. So, here are ten pieces of advice I would share with my younger self over a pizza. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” — George Bernard Shaw Growing up brings more responsibilities, but it’s important to keep your playful side alive. Life becomes more enjoyable when you see it as a playground to explore and create. Don’t let anyone tell you that playfulness is reserved only for kids. “Things that make you weird as a kid will make you great tomorrow.” — James Victore Don’t hide what makes you unique. You might think being quirky will make you less accepted. But it does the opposite — it attracts people who appreciate you for who you are. It takes time to find these people, so be patient. Being comfortable with yourself is a superpower. You can be both quirky and serious, goofy yet sporty, and responsible all at once. “Your grades are not your destiny: they’re just letters and numbers which rate how well you performed in one artificial arena, once.” — Charlie Brooker Don’t obsess over numbers. They don’t reflect who you are and your true potential. The numbers only show how you performed at a specific time, not the entirety of your journey. It’s okay to feel disappointed by a low grade. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember to move past it. There’s more to life than numbers on paper. “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.” — Prophet Muhammad Kindness is a strength. Don’t ever believe that acts of kindness go unnoticed. You might not see immediate results, but the impact leaves a deep, lasting impression. People remember how you made them feel after the moment has passed. It’s through your kindness that you can leave a positive mark on someone’s heart. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius Truth be told: even adults don’t have everything figured out, so don’t let anyone pressure you into thinking you should. Ignore those who do. Stressing about meeting traditional milestones by a certain age — like finishing school, getting your dream job, or getting married — can affect your confidence negatively. Life is an ongoing project, filled with ups and downs. So, take a breather and relax a bit. As long as you’re moving forward — even in small steps, you’re doing great. Remember, life is a long game, no point in rushing through. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” — George Addair Life is filled with uncertainties, which can be scary because you can’t see what’s on the other side. But to grow, you need to step out of your comfort zone. Because what’s truly scary is the thought of missing out on what could have been if you had taken the chance and stuck with it. So, venture out. Dip your toes in the water to start and see where it leads. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde It’s tempting to compare yourself with others. And that’s natural. But if it’s hurting your confidence, it’s time to stop. Everyone has their unique strengths and talents. Instead of dwelling on comparisons — focus on what sparks your curiosity. When you invest your energy in exploring your interests, you’ll have less time to worry about who you stack up against others. “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” — Tennessee Williams Choose friends who make you feel good about yourself, not those who bring you down. The value of a friend isn’t determined by how long you’ve known them but by how well you can be yourself with them. It’s not the number of friends that counts, but the depth of those relationships. When you find these types of friends — hold onto them. “You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise L. Hay Your beliefs about yourself can lead to a life filled with possibilities or limitations. Don’t be too hard on yourself and trust that you’re capable of achieving your goals. Words can significantly influence your actions. So, why not choose a more optimistic outlook? “Greatness is achievable. Greatness is not an exclusive club for the elite. Everyone has greatness within them; it’s just a matter of tapping into it.” — Les Brown Success often comes from dedication and not from natural talent. Many who’ve achieved great things did so not because they were the most talented, but because they believed deeply in their vision and were compelled to pursue it. It’s about having passion, continuing to persevere through challenges, and being patient as you make progress. Note: What pieces of advice resonated with you? Looking back on your life, what advice would you give to your younger self if given the chance? This reflection was inspired by a prompt from my digital product, Story Seeds — a curated collection of writing prompts that challenge you to see the world (and yourself) in new ways. You can get it for free by clicking here.
1) Stay playful
2) Embrace your weirdness
3) Grades don’t define intelligence
4) Kindness isn’t’ a weakness
5) Don’t rush to figure everything out
6) Try new things, even if nervous
7) Don’t dwell on others’ strengths; focus on your curiosities
8) Befriend those who uplift you; avoid the rest
9) Believe in yourself; you are enough
10) Greatness isn’t for the few
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