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.
My post would have been almost exactly this one. I would have started running earlier (started at 50). The only thing I would add is to focus on healthy eating habits and use sunscreen.
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.
It's like you read my mind. I'm better about this than I used to be, but especially when I was younger I was a HUGE worrier. All the time. What good do it do? I realize that now, but it took a lot of years to get to that point. Thank you for sharing this.
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.
When you eat a mango eat a mango - that is my mantra now! Thank you so much for the story. I guess I need to tell it to my kids and my students. Amazing
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!
As I have indicated before, my half marathons started at age 58 … no regrets. I have so many fond memories of our daughters growing up … with one of them joining us for our first half, her older sister getting into it a year later, and eventually both of them doing the Goofy at Disneyworld. I also recently celebrated 50 years with the same company and have learned over the years that teamwork is at the top of my list of “what’s important”.
OMG YES!!!! on the Apple stock thing. I bought 3 shares back around Christmas for my stepdaughter in the hope that she'll hang onto them until she's my age, and then maybe she can retire! I love what you've shared here -- and you're so right about "what if"-ing things. (And what's an abalone diver?)
Yep, I was a senior in high school when Apple went public, but of course nobody noticed. If I had bought some then.... Oh well, who'd want to be rich anyhow!
I took a scuba diving class - which is kind of a useless thing to have in Montana! - and about the same time I got checked-out a friend of my dad's stopped by. He had a commercial fishing boat in Alaska and most of what they went after was abalone. He offered me a slot for the summer, but like a damn fool I turned it down. That, I think, would have been fun. Then again, knowing my luck, I would have been eaten by a Killer Whale or something!
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!!!!
Marianne, absolutely agree! The only thing I'd change - instead of Balance, I would wright UnBalance and that is perfectly fine with me. You are my inspiration - I hope I keep running when I am close to 70 (I just turned 50 with only 5 years of running experience).
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
It's never too late to start writing, and take it from me, you don't need to go to college to write. If you love to read, then you are halfway there already. The rest is just practice and perseverance. Oh, and a thick skin. Rejections are a bitch, but you get used to them after the first hundred or so!
Thank you for sharing this, Sharon. It takes a kind of courage I can only dream of to do that. I'm really glad you're happier and in a better place now, too 🤗
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.
So interesting. What is it about yoga that has made the difference for you? I used to work with a friend for whom yoga was really central to how she approached everything. She didn't go a day without practicing it. One more question: what's the best way to get started with it?
Yoga calms my busy brain and it’s made me physically stronger. It’s something I do for my mental health and physical health. Find a beginner class. And do NOT be intimidated by the cute young blondes with the ponytails! Don’t be afraid to fall or obsess that your pose isn’t “right”. You do you. No one else cares. I’ve been at it for 4 years and still wobble and teeter. Such is my life. And it’s great!
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 love that, Kelly, especially the part about other things being there later. In college, a friend of mine had hit a bad patch with his girlfriend, who went to another college a few states away. He wanted to go see her and put things back together, but he had a Spanish exam on Monday. He went to talk to his Spanish professor, who was (apparently) a big romantic, and explained the situation to him. The professor told him, "the texts will be here when you get back. Love may not. Go to her." I always loved that.
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 !!!!
YES. A thousand times this. We always feel like we've got to constantly keep moving, stay in motion, be productive, whatever. We have to remind ourselves it's okay just to pause and breathe.
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
Going on 25 years, was a school administrator for 4 years & hated adult politics - missed the daily student interactions - plus, gives me more time to focus on training
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 …
I’ve judged Odyssey of the Mind for years … it’s a creativity competition that awards points for both tasks accomplished and the creativity of the solutions even when they fail. The students take away from these competitions the fact that failure is OK when you know that you have made your best effort. Works in life, too!
"Avoid being judgmental. No one is perfect. Neither are you." I love this, though it's the hardest lesson for me to learn. I sometimes have this feeling that I ought to be/do better than I am, and only later realize how silly that is. Thanks for sharing this.
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.
That is something I've learned as well. We can only get so far in a single day -- but strung together, those days add up to something pretty amazing when you look back on it. Thank you for sharing this 👍
Is this from that famous article that made the rounds a few years ago, by the nurse who'd taken care of patients who were dying? These are really, really moving. Thank you for sharing.
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.
So true. You can never really "get there" when it comes to health. I heard a great description once: "health is a condition about which medicine has nothing to say." 😃
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.
When I went to college (first in my family) I really foreclosed on my choice to be a nurse. I worked in nursing for nearly 30 years and although I was good at it it wasn’t what I WAS. Ten years ago I switched careers - I’m now a happy elementary school teacher. It isn’t what I do - it’s who I am. And of course there’s running. I always believed I wasn’t athletic and so I didn’t do anything. I now have a black belt and I run. I’m not letting fear of failure hold me back anymore.
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.
My post would have been almost exactly this one. I would have started running earlier (started at 50). The only thing I would add is to focus on healthy eating habits and use sunscreen.
I have a run planned.(typing mishaps)
That’s okay! 😃 I’m just glad the tumor was benign and you’re okay
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!
Colleen - that is very good point. Interestingly enough is that running taught me to not compare myself to others.
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.
One issue … if you have kids, you will always worry about them … even when they’re grown and gone and have families of their own!
Ain't that the truth! 🤣
So true thanks for that
It's like you read my mind. I'm better about this than I used to be, but especially when I was younger I was a HUGE worrier. All the time. What good do it do? I realize that now, but it took a lot of years to get to that point. Thank you for sharing this.
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?
That is so, so interesting, Jeanne. Now I'm wishing I kept journals all along too!
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.
How many times can I hit the heart/like icon … terrific advice
When you eat a mango eat a mango - that is my mantra now! Thank you so much for the story. I guess I need to tell it to my kids and my students. Amazing
Me too! I'm going to share this! Thank you so much Mirtha.
This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing.
I ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ this story, Mirtha!
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!
As I have indicated before, my half marathons started at age 58 … no regrets. I have so many fond memories of our daughters growing up … with one of them joining us for our first half, her older sister getting into it a year later, and eventually both of them doing the Goofy at Disneyworld. I also recently celebrated 50 years with the same company and have learned over the years that teamwork is at the top of my list of “what’s important”.
OMG YES!!!! on the Apple stock thing. I bought 3 shares back around Christmas for my stepdaughter in the hope that she'll hang onto them until she's my age, and then maybe she can retire! I love what you've shared here -- and you're so right about "what if"-ing things. (And what's an abalone diver?)
Yep, I was a senior in high school when Apple went public, but of course nobody noticed. If I had bought some then.... Oh well, who'd want to be rich anyhow!
I took a scuba diving class - which is kind of a useless thing to have in Montana! - and about the same time I got checked-out a friend of my dad's stopped by. He had a commercial fishing boat in Alaska and most of what they went after was abalone. He offered me a slot for the summer, but like a damn fool I turned it down. That, I think, would have been fun. Then again, knowing my luck, I would have been eaten by a Killer Whale or something!
"I took a scuba diving class - which is kind of a useless thing to have in Montana!"
LOL!!!! Good for you!
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!!!!
Balance, not control … I love it.
Marianne, absolutely agree! The only thing I'd change - instead of Balance, I would wright UnBalance and that is perfectly fine with me. You are my inspiration - I hope I keep running when I am close to 70 (I just turned 50 with only 5 years of running experience).
You will.......you have the "bug"!!! And Unbalance makes sense!!!
write - sorry for typos:)
Marianne, YES! A thousand times what you've said above. I'm so glad you shared it.
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
Be not afraid … you want to write, then write … you DO sound like you have the creative juices to be that special person who can write.
It's never too late to start writing, and take it from me, you don't need to go to college to write. If you love to read, then you are halfway there already. The rest is just practice and perseverance. Oh, and a thick skin. Rejections are a bitch, but you get used to them after the first hundred or so!
Sharon, what major would like to get? Who said you cannot do it now...
Thank you for sharing this, Sharon. It takes a kind of courage I can only dream of to do that. I'm really glad you're happier and in a better place now, too 🤗
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.
So interesting. What is it about yoga that has made the difference for you? I used to work with a friend for whom yoga was really central to how she approached everything. She didn't go a day without practicing it. One more question: what's the best way to get started with it?
Yoga calms my busy brain and it’s made me physically stronger. It’s something I do for my mental health and physical health. Find a beginner class. And do NOT be intimidated by the cute young blondes with the ponytails! Don’t be afraid to fall or obsess that your pose isn’t “right”. You do you. No one else cares. I’ve been at it for 4 years and still wobble and teeter. Such is my life. And it’s great!
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 love that, Kelly, especially the part about other things being there later. In college, a friend of mine had hit a bad patch with his girlfriend, who went to another college a few states away. He wanted to go see her and put things back together, but he had a Spanish exam on Monday. He went to talk to his Spanish professor, who was (apparently) a big romantic, and explained the situation to him. The professor told him, "the texts will be here when you get back. Love may not. Go to her." I always loved that.
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 !!!!
YES. A thousand times this. We always feel like we've got to constantly keep moving, stay in motion, be productive, whatever. We have to remind ourselves it's okay just to pause and breathe.
I think it's more than "ok" to just pause and breathe - it's life sustaining.
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!
Yes! Continuing to challenge yourself, it's increasingly clear as I get older, is SO important. Great thoughts.
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.
I love this! Especially the last part -- so true.
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
WOW, David, about your brother. That will make you humble, and reflect. So interesting what you say about teaching -- have you always been a teacher?
Going on 25 years, was a school administrator for 4 years & hated adult politics - missed the daily student interactions - plus, gives me more time to focus on training
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 …
I’ve judged Odyssey of the Mind for years … it’s a creativity competition that awards points for both tasks accomplished and the creativity of the solutions even when they fail. The students take away from these competitions the fact that failure is OK when you know that you have made your best effort. Works in life, too!
"Avoid being judgmental. No one is perfect. Neither are you." I love this, though it's the hardest lesson for me to learn. I sometimes have this feeling that I ought to be/do better than I am, and only later realize how silly that is. Thanks for sharing this.
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!!!!
Your story always inspires me, Nelda! 👍
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.
That is something I've learned as well. We can only get so far in a single day -- but strung together, those days add up to something pretty amazing when you look back on it. Thank you for sharing this 👍
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.
Is this from that famous article that made the rounds a few years ago, by the nurse who'd taken care of patients who were dying? These are really, really moving. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, it is, it touched me as well.
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.
This is along the lines of what I was thinking, but you said it more eloquently! Also, have the compassion for yourself that you have for others.
Agreed
So true. You can never really "get there" when it comes to health. I heard a great description once: "health is a condition about which medicine has nothing to say." 😃
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.
I hear you, Tracy. I feel that way too sometimes. Really glad to hear you're out there now! What have you done differently?
When I went to college (first in my family) I really foreclosed on my choice to be a nurse. I worked in nursing for nearly 30 years and although I was good at it it wasn’t what I WAS. Ten years ago I switched careers - I’m now a happy elementary school teacher. It isn’t what I do - it’s who I am. And of course there’s running. I always believed I wasn’t athletic and so I didn’t do anything. I now have a black belt and I run. I’m not letting fear of failure hold me back anymore.
Kudos to you.
This is inspiring. 🙂
Read more, drink less.
Amen to this. The older I get, the less I like drinking.
Same here, Terrell.