If you knew then...
As Cher so eloquently sang, "If I could turn back time..."
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "If I knew at 15 all the amazing stuff I know now, life would have been so much easier..." ? It's an interesting idea, isn't it?
Wouldn't it be fantastic to be able to skip all the hurt and heartache we experience in our youth by having an innate knowing that "everything will always be OK" in the end? What kind of adventures could we have had if our 17-year old self knew that the opinions of others just don't matter? Where would we be in our careers if at 16 we figured out what our passions were and then pursued them without fear or judgement?
I love this idea, and wish I could have lightened the burden for my teenage self with a quick trip back in time, but am simultaneously grateful for all the experiences I had without that wisdom. I'm thankful for all of it; the painful, stupid, heart-breaking stuff included, because I know that it's all led me to where I am today. My life ROCKS! And I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't walked that somewhat tumultuous path for the last three decades.
But, man, if I'd had an opportunity to experience even a taste of the enlightenment I've achieved in the last 15 years or so, that would have been awesome.
- If someone had told me that my thoughts create the world I experience around me, and that to change my experiences all I had to do was CHANGE MY MIND, holy shit! What a revelation!
- If I'd figured out in my teens that contrary to the "reality" so many of us experience, life is NOT hard, and in fact it's actually intended to be EASY, FUN, AND ENJOYED AT ALL TIMES, I'd have made it a point to be more brave, have more adventures, and try more new things, like I've been doing as an adult.
- If I'd been guided to discover my passion for helping others as a youth, I could have saved myself years of confusion and anxiety over what to be when I "grow up".
Again, I'm so appreciative for all of my experiences in life so far, good or not-so-good, but I certainly see value in the idea of helping my younger self get through some of those unhappy circumstances a little more quickly.
What other skills would a teenage YOU benefit from knowing?
I've got a project in the works and would love your opinions about this topic. Comment below and tell me your best, "MAN! If as a teenager I'd known 'insert insightful, inspiring idea here', my life would have been so much easier!" I want to hear it all! From your favorite tips for boosting confidence to simple adult life-skills like balancing a checkbook; whatever, just share it below.
Since this project needs all the input I can get, I'd also like to challenge you to SHARE THIS POST with TWO people you know who would have benefited from a little enlightenment in their teenage years and encourage them to share their ideas here as well. Just two people! I know at least a dozen that I can think of right off the top of my head who would jump at the chance to go back in time to teach their teenage self a thing or two, so finding just two people to share it with should be a no-brainer.
Thank you, in advance, for your inspired ideas. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!
With love and inspiration (and a big hug for the 15-year old NY cheerleader inside me),
-Amy
Go Tigers!