Maybe it’s the age I am now — in case you missed Wednesday’s newsletter, I turned 50 earlier this year — or maybe it’s the year that’s recently passed. Or, maybe it’s the progress (or lack of progress!) I’ve made in things like my running, my health, the goals I want to go after. But, it all gets me thinking.
One of the things I love about our group, and our Friday conversations, is that we have such a wide range of ages and experience here. We have people in their 20s and 30s, and people in their 70s and 80s (and above, I’m sure). We have people living in Alabama, Alaska, Saskatchewan, Poland, Israel, Tajikistan, California, Mexico and all points in between.
What I’d love to know from you is, when you look back on your life — however long (or short) it’s been — what would you tell your younger self today, from what you’ve learned all these years? About your health/exercise, about relationships, anything — especially if it was something you didn’t expect, or surprised you in some way. 😃 — Terrell
stay out of the sun. i have a major sun addiction now and my skin is pretty freckled and lined. i wonder what i would look like if i hadn't been tan-obsessed!
Didn’t start this “half marathon nonsense”, my affectionate reference to this addiction, until I turned 58 in 2007. My younger self would not change anything … I married my “Good friend” and we’re working on 46 years together. I don’t have any regrets so my advice is for the “youngins” … the love of your life will start out as your friend … you will do things together AND SEPARATELY, have group goals and individual goals. If you’re blessed with kids, make your family “Family-centered” … your kids will grow up well-adjusted knowing that their needs are met and their accomplishments come from their efforts. Exercise … you only have one body so treat it with respect.
Just over a week ago I have had major surgery to remove an ovarian tumor the size of a soccerball.(turned out begign) It actually affected my brreathing when iI ran. In the midst of covid, I have been rid to the thing and a few more things to be on the safe side. Im have a run planned now (maui) and feel a renewed energy. Second chances:)
Such a thought-provoking question, Terrell. I agree with all the other posts, and have one more to add: Don't compare yourself to others. Not just in the running world, but every aspect of life!
Trust yourself. If your boundaries make someone angry, that's them being disrespectful and it's okay for you to still have those boundaries. Live now. Be kind to yourself. Your path is yours alone, so you decide where you want to go.
I think the hardest lesson I've learned, and am still learning, is not to worry. I'd tell my younger self not to waste time, energy, and emotion on worrying. Of course many of the things one worries about never come to pass. And some things we worry about DO come to pass (breast cancer for me). Having worried didn't change a thing! It only robbed me of time I could've enjoyed worry-free. I've now learned every day is a wonderful gift. Do what you can to control what you can, and don't worry about what you can't.
Be kind, gentle, and loving to yourself and others. Live beneath your means so you can always be generous to those in need. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Laugh often.
I have kept journals going back to middle school and I’ve recently revisited my 12 y/o self along with entries from my 20s, 30s, & 40s and one thing that has struck me and, at times, cracked me UP is how much of ME shows up at every age. I’m stumped as to what I’d tell my younger self (it’s probably b/c I specialize in behavior change and I know telling is far less powerful than asking the right question…) so maybe…girl…you sure about that perm?
To enjoy the 🎁 of the present. I approached life with a let’s finish this race mentality. During that stage of my life I became more of a human doing than a human being. Then one day while I was visiting my Grandmother in the Dominican Republic she was sitting in her terrace eating a mango and she asked me to join her. I gulped down the mango to get on with my next thing on my to do list. My Grandma stared at me and said, “That’s not how you eat a mango”. You have to understand that eating a mango in the Dominican Republic was the equivalent of tea time in the UK. She said, “This is how you eat a mango, look around you at the beautiful plants with their 101 shades of green. Look at the brightest yellow in the mango. Smell the mango. Taste the mango. Enjoy the mango. Now that’s how you eat a mango!” That day my Grandma taught me, with a simple fruit that we must enjoy the now. And I want to pass on my Grandmother’s wisdom to you. Whatever it is you are doing enjoy it. Don’t let the future rob you of your today. When you eat a mango eat a mango.
Enjoy every moment that you can - traveling, experiencing new things and enjoying friends, family and pets - just soak it all in. Time will go by so fast and those friends, family members and pets may not be around tomorrow. Don't waste any time with worry because the things that you are worrying about won't even matter at all in the long run.
I think everyone loves playing 'what if,' wondering if they made the right choices or what they might change, and sure, there are a lot of turning points that could have drastically altered the course of my life. What would have happened if I had stayed in college. What would life have been like if I took the offer to play bass with a club circuit band? Should I have taken the chance and gone off to Alaska to work as an abalone diver? Any one of these choices might have given me a completely different life, but is that what I really want? My life hasn't turned out exactly like I wanted, but then, whose life has? Looking back over 59 years, all things considered, it's been a good life. I've lived a life rich in experiences even if it is not rich in wealth, and most importantly, I have two great kids and a granddaughter who is the delight of my life. What more could I ask for?
I would, however, challenge myself to try a few races earlier, not wait until I was in my 50's to try my first 10K. Oh, and don't go for that bike ride with my brother. Stay home instead and don't wreck my Harley!
I would say to myself- you've been authentically you since you were a baby- even when it was hard to stay true to that uniqueness, stubborn nature and goal oriented person - me! It seems to have passed by slowly as life has happened but lightening quick in hindsight. I've learned it's never too late to learn something new- a master's degree 25 years after a bachelor's degree, or taking up running at the turn of a new decade a few years ago. My running friends and club keep me motivated and have kept me growing in my skills and abilities. Keep learning and growing and never stop!
I'd say to myself - stop worrying about being perfect and what others think about you. Know what YOU want and go for it. Travel more, talk to people more, take pictures and risks. Don't stay in your comfort zone - that's "death".
On the other hand I would like to thank younger me for being me - I am actually very proud of you!!! LOL I am here today thanks to you=myself. Just keep going and remember what you do today determines your tomorrow.
And thank you all so much for sharing! It is amazing what each of you put here - I guess it's all younger us that led us here:)
I'd say take care of yourself before you try to take care of everyone around you, pay attention to red flags in relationships, and embrace every part of yourself!
I would say to my younger self, don't follow what other people view as 'success' - follow what your heart tells you and what makes you happy and fulfilled. It is not always easy to find but it's the only thing that will make you truly successful in life.
I went to many business conventions and seminars all with big name motivational speakers, all with the latest tools to improve and prosper........all those "success" methods changed thru the years but the one thing that stayed with me now about 40 years later is "enjoy where you are".......quit reliving yesterday, you can not change it..............don't worry about tomorrow.........live in the present, enjoy what and who is around you today!!! Less regrets and stress.........So simple.......it is more about Balance......not control. There are so many simple things in this world to enjoy.........don't miss it. Also I would have started running earlier instead of waiting until I was almost 70!!!!! Believe in yourself and others will follow. Thank you for the opportunity to put what I was feeling in words!!!!
I wish I'd finished college so I could have been a writer or a teacher that didn't happen and I wish I didn't be with abuse of men because of my past the only thing I wish I really didn't do when I was younger this drink all the time I was a lot angrier I wasn't really in good shape I didn't drink as much and exercise a lot more but but life taught me a lot of things when my cousin died and I realized how precious life is I didn't understand that I don't understand that I was in my twenties we're even my early thirties but as I age now as I age now I realize how much I've lost to my family's friends friends because of my destructive behavior I can never check that back I can understand why I was this way I'm like 20 but I'm a lot happier now
Morning all, I’m 66, a CIS gendered female. I would tell my younger self to practice yoga at an earlier age, it’s necessary to spend time alone. Be unafraid to tell others to back off. Cry more openly. Laugh louder. Death is part of the circle. And, be nice and kind towards others.
Good Morning! I would tell my younger self to not stress so much. Take more time and patience with people and family, other things will still be there later. Take the Dave Ramsey FPU course!! Make some type of exercise a daily part of life.
I would say to myself: “Hey, it’s OK to STOP and take a deep breath.” It’s OK to give yourself permission to look around. The past audible voices that I once heard are now in my head and are now much more difficult to silence !!!!
Good Morning! I would tell my younger self to only can control what you can control-that goes with life and running. If things are meant to be they will always find a way. Finally to continue challenge yourself and reflect!
Good morning guys! I'm 23 and just graduated from college last spring during the pandemic. I'm still teaching myself this but don't dwell on the future. Live in the present and do the things that scare you. Let yourself grow and don't be afraid to let some people go that don't want to grow with you.
Don’t live with regrets - life is fleeting, take care of the most important people around you - it can be gone in a second (my brother barely made it out of the Twin Towers & lost 67 coworkers that simply went to work that day) - work is just the means to enjoy life (not the other way around - took me a few years to understand that) - now, it’s teaching to enjoy my students, which allows me & family to live life to the fullest
Live, love, embrace this thing called Life. Always follow your gut feelings. Don’t take love & friendships for granted. Avoid being judgmental. No one is perfect. Neither are you. Know what to take and what to reject. Take risks. Be happy …
As I have mentioned many times before, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 3 and I am now 54. When I was younger, I was told "you can't play sports because of your hands, legs and joints!" Well, I have blown that idea out of the water with my running! I am also still actively drawing and doing other crafts as well as getting my conceal carry permit. I am right hand dominant and do my crafts and drawing with it but due to the progression of the disease in my wrist and fingers of this hand, I have learned to shoot and carry my gun in my left hand and do so quite well!!!!
Always remember that overall health comes down to daily habits that you never want to break because it's much harder to start again than to maintain the routine. And although it's important to have goals and dreams, don't forget to enjoy and live in the moment.
Take care of yourself; physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can do anything you want if it's in your heart. Don't let anyone treat you less than your worth because you are worth a lot. Hone your strengths so you can do what you love with skill and confidence. Keep praying, knowing that God answers the prayers of those who trust Him.
I would let my younger self know that good health is never a destination. It is a lifelong journey made up of daily actions and habits. It is important to pursue joy, peace, balance, resilience and grace at every stage of the journey.
That’s it’s okay to take a risk. In relationships, in jobs, with my body (calculated of course). I am 58 and for most of my life I played it so safe that I missed things. No more - I’m out there. Just wish I’d done it sooner.
stay out of the sun. i have a major sun addiction now and my skin is pretty freckled and lined. i wonder what i would look like if i hadn't been tan-obsessed!
Didn’t start this “half marathon nonsense”, my affectionate reference to this addiction, until I turned 58 in 2007. My younger self would not change anything … I married my “Good friend” and we’re working on 46 years together. I don’t have any regrets so my advice is for the “youngins” … the love of your life will start out as your friend … you will do things together AND SEPARATELY, have group goals and individual goals. If you’re blessed with kids, make your family “Family-centered” … your kids will grow up well-adjusted knowing that their needs are met and their accomplishments come from their efforts. Exercise … you only have one body so treat it with respect.
I have a run planned.(typing mishaps)
Just over a week ago I have had major surgery to remove an ovarian tumor the size of a soccerball.(turned out begign) It actually affected my brreathing when iI ran. In the midst of covid, I have been rid to the thing and a few more things to be on the safe side. Im have a run planned now (maui) and feel a renewed energy. Second chances:)
Such a thought-provoking question, Terrell. I agree with all the other posts, and have one more to add: Don't compare yourself to others. Not just in the running world, but every aspect of life!
Trust yourself. If your boundaries make someone angry, that's them being disrespectful and it's okay for you to still have those boundaries. Live now. Be kind to yourself. Your path is yours alone, so you decide where you want to go.
I think the hardest lesson I've learned, and am still learning, is not to worry. I'd tell my younger self not to waste time, energy, and emotion on worrying. Of course many of the things one worries about never come to pass. And some things we worry about DO come to pass (breast cancer for me). Having worried didn't change a thing! It only robbed me of time I could've enjoyed worry-free. I've now learned every day is a wonderful gift. Do what you can to control what you can, and don't worry about what you can't.
Be kind, gentle, and loving to yourself and others. Live beneath your means so you can always be generous to those in need. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Laugh often.
No not worry about what others think; to check in with myself first: Am I being true to my values?
I'd tell myself to not worry about what people I'm not related to think, and not be a people pleaser
I have kept journals going back to middle school and I’ve recently revisited my 12 y/o self along with entries from my 20s, 30s, & 40s and one thing that has struck me and, at times, cracked me UP is how much of ME shows up at every age. I’m stumped as to what I’d tell my younger self (it’s probably b/c I specialize in behavior change and I know telling is far less powerful than asking the right question…) so maybe…girl…you sure about that perm?
I would tell my younger self not to be in a hurry to grow up!
To enjoy the 🎁 of the present. I approached life with a let’s finish this race mentality. During that stage of my life I became more of a human doing than a human being. Then one day while I was visiting my Grandmother in the Dominican Republic she was sitting in her terrace eating a mango and she asked me to join her. I gulped down the mango to get on with my next thing on my to do list. My Grandma stared at me and said, “That’s not how you eat a mango”. You have to understand that eating a mango in the Dominican Republic was the equivalent of tea time in the UK. She said, “This is how you eat a mango, look around you at the beautiful plants with their 101 shades of green. Look at the brightest yellow in the mango. Smell the mango. Taste the mango. Enjoy the mango. Now that’s how you eat a mango!” That day my Grandma taught me, with a simple fruit that we must enjoy the now. And I want to pass on my Grandmother’s wisdom to you. Whatever it is you are doing enjoy it. Don’t let the future rob you of your today. When you eat a mango eat a mango.
Enjoy every moment that you can - traveling, experiencing new things and enjoying friends, family and pets - just soak it all in. Time will go by so fast and those friends, family members and pets may not be around tomorrow. Don't waste any time with worry because the things that you are worrying about won't even matter at all in the long run.
Me to my 18 year old self: "Buy Apple stocks!"
But seriously, folks...
I think everyone loves playing 'what if,' wondering if they made the right choices or what they might change, and sure, there are a lot of turning points that could have drastically altered the course of my life. What would have happened if I had stayed in college. What would life have been like if I took the offer to play bass with a club circuit band? Should I have taken the chance and gone off to Alaska to work as an abalone diver? Any one of these choices might have given me a completely different life, but is that what I really want? My life hasn't turned out exactly like I wanted, but then, whose life has? Looking back over 59 years, all things considered, it's been a good life. I've lived a life rich in experiences even if it is not rich in wealth, and most importantly, I have two great kids and a granddaughter who is the delight of my life. What more could I ask for?
I would, however, challenge myself to try a few races earlier, not wait until I was in my 50's to try my first 10K. Oh, and don't go for that bike ride with my brother. Stay home instead and don't wreck my Harley!
I would say to myself- you've been authentically you since you were a baby- even when it was hard to stay true to that uniqueness, stubborn nature and goal oriented person - me! It seems to have passed by slowly as life has happened but lightening quick in hindsight. I've learned it's never too late to learn something new- a master's degree 25 years after a bachelor's degree, or taking up running at the turn of a new decade a few years ago. My running friends and club keep me motivated and have kept me growing in my skills and abilities. Keep learning and growing and never stop!
I'd say to myself - stop worrying about being perfect and what others think about you. Know what YOU want and go for it. Travel more, talk to people more, take pictures and risks. Don't stay in your comfort zone - that's "death".
On the other hand I would like to thank younger me for being me - I am actually very proud of you!!! LOL I am here today thanks to you=myself. Just keep going and remember what you do today determines your tomorrow.
And thank you all so much for sharing! It is amazing what each of you put here - I guess it's all younger us that led us here:)
I'd say take care of yourself before you try to take care of everyone around you, pay attention to red flags in relationships, and embrace every part of yourself!
I would say to my younger self, don't follow what other people view as 'success' - follow what your heart tells you and what makes you happy and fulfilled. It is not always easy to find but it's the only thing that will make you truly successful in life.
I went to many business conventions and seminars all with big name motivational speakers, all with the latest tools to improve and prosper........all those "success" methods changed thru the years but the one thing that stayed with me now about 40 years later is "enjoy where you are".......quit reliving yesterday, you can not change it..............don't worry about tomorrow.........live in the present, enjoy what and who is around you today!!! Less regrets and stress.........So simple.......it is more about Balance......not control. There are so many simple things in this world to enjoy.........don't miss it. Also I would have started running earlier instead of waiting until I was almost 70!!!!! Believe in yourself and others will follow. Thank you for the opportunity to put what I was feeling in words!!!!
good morning. I would tell myself to live MY dreams and not only the dreams of others, to take my passions and live them to the fullest.
I wish I'd finished college so I could have been a writer or a teacher that didn't happen and I wish I didn't be with abuse of men because of my past the only thing I wish I really didn't do when I was younger this drink all the time I was a lot angrier I wasn't really in good shape I didn't drink as much and exercise a lot more but but life taught me a lot of things when my cousin died and I realized how precious life is I didn't understand that I don't understand that I was in my twenties we're even my early thirties but as I age now as I age now I realize how much I've lost to my family's friends friends because of my destructive behavior I can never check that back I can understand why I was this way I'm like 20 but I'm a lot happier now
Morning all, I’m 66, a CIS gendered female. I would tell my younger self to practice yoga at an earlier age, it’s necessary to spend time alone. Be unafraid to tell others to back off. Cry more openly. Laugh louder. Death is part of the circle. And, be nice and kind towards others.
Good Morning! I would tell my younger self to not stress so much. Take more time and patience with people and family, other things will still be there later. Take the Dave Ramsey FPU course!! Make some type of exercise a daily part of life.
I would say to myself: “Hey, it’s OK to STOP and take a deep breath.” It’s OK to give yourself permission to look around. The past audible voices that I once heard are now in my head and are now much more difficult to silence !!!!
Good Morning! I would tell my younger self to only can control what you can control-that goes with life and running. If things are meant to be they will always find a way. Finally to continue challenge yourself and reflect!
Good morning guys! I'm 23 and just graduated from college last spring during the pandemic. I'm still teaching myself this but don't dwell on the future. Live in the present and do the things that scare you. Let yourself grow and don't be afraid to let some people go that don't want to grow with you.
Don’t live with regrets - life is fleeting, take care of the most important people around you - it can be gone in a second (my brother barely made it out of the Twin Towers & lost 67 coworkers that simply went to work that day) - work is just the means to enjoy life (not the other way around - took me a few years to understand that) - now, it’s teaching to enjoy my students, which allows me & family to live life to the fullest
Live, love, embrace this thing called Life. Always follow your gut feelings. Don’t take love & friendships for granted. Avoid being judgmental. No one is perfect. Neither are you. Know what to take and what to reject. Take risks. Be happy …
As I have mentioned many times before, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 3 and I am now 54. When I was younger, I was told "you can't play sports because of your hands, legs and joints!" Well, I have blown that idea out of the water with my running! I am also still actively drawing and doing other crafts as well as getting my conceal carry permit. I am right hand dominant and do my crafts and drawing with it but due to the progression of the disease in my wrist and fingers of this hand, I have learned to shoot and carry my gun in my left hand and do so quite well!!!!
Always remember that overall health comes down to daily habits that you never want to break because it's much harder to start again than to maintain the routine. And although it's important to have goals and dreams, don't forget to enjoy and live in the moment.
I have seen articles written about things we regret near our end of life. How true many of these seem to me:
1 I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2 I wish I hadn't worked so hard
3 I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4 I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
5 I wish that I had let myself be happier
For me # 1 says a lot, and one that I think a lot about these days.
Take care of yourself; physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can do anything you want if it's in your heart. Don't let anyone treat you less than your worth because you are worth a lot. Hone your strengths so you can do what you love with skill and confidence. Keep praying, knowing that God answers the prayers of those who trust Him.
I would let my younger self know that good health is never a destination. It is a lifelong journey made up of daily actions and habits. It is important to pursue joy, peace, balance, resilience and grace at every stage of the journey.
That’s it’s okay to take a risk. In relationships, in jobs, with my body (calculated of course). I am 58 and for most of my life I played it so safe that I missed things. No more - I’m out there. Just wish I’d done it sooner.
Read more, drink less.