I will turn 53 years old this week.
One one hand, it seems implausible. How have the years sped by so quickly?
On the other hand, I look back and realize that I have lived multiple lives. Am I alone in thinking this? When I think back to my younger self, I barely recognize her.
Well, that’s not quite true. I do recognize her, but she seems very far away.
I wish that I could have told her a multitude of things: “Stop being so scared. Follow your dreams. Do what makes you happy. Stand up for yourself. Don’t settle. Do what’s right. You’re going to be okay. Your life will be full and blessed.”
Can you relate? If so, what do you wish you could tell your younger self?
P.S. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Stu Mayhew for allowing me to share and modify his wonderful image.
Hi Kim. I turned 51 this past November. And believe me when I say no one is more surprised I actually reached 51 than I am! I have lived hard and played harder. What would I tell my younger self, great question!
First: slow down, it will get done regardless. Second: walk away now, not in 6 years. Third: be kinder to your self. Fourth: say no to people a hell of a lot more! Finally: listen to older folks more closely. Life can and will come to a skreeching halt faster than you can blink your eye. It’s true, it does and it did!
I should have put this most important one first::: God. He waited so patiently for me to come to my senses. And I am so grateful he did. Life’s view changes. Struggles are just mini trials with an ending. Struggles never end without faith and prayer. Although life is in now way what or where I expected but I have blessings tat go beyond my understanding. And for that, I cherish now, the present, my gift daily. Ultimately life now is far better now than I ever would have thought possible. Enjoy it, live it, be kind to everyone you meet and share what you have. The rewards are far greater than one would expect! Forgive and do it immediately! It is so easy to lift what could have been a burden.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays! I pray you enough for today! After all, it is the ultimate gift, unwrap it with a grateful heart! ????❤️????
Woooonderful comment ! I agree !!!
Wishing you a very happy birthday this week, Kim, and a year full of wonderful and positive experiences.
My stark reality came on my last birthday, when I turned the age my mother was the year I first married – she seemed so much older to me then, and even now, when I look back at those photos! Like you, I would also tell my younger self it’s going to be okay. As a matter of fact, I just told my oldest daughter (30) that very same thing this past weekend.
Happy Birthday! I will be 51 in March. I can definitely relate to this post. As for what I’d tell my younger self… well, too many things to mention here. But I doubt she’d listen to me anyway.
Happy Birthday, Kim! It sounds like you are ready to start a new chapter in your life. Listen to that little voice in your head, you already know the answers. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Kim!
I would definitely say – don’t be in such a hurry, God plans come in bits as he lays the bread crumbs for you to follow. Be kind to yourself and trust. Don’t settle because you think that is all you deserve. Know that God loves you and that is a greater love than any human kind.
I will be 60 in October and for the life of me I can not believe it. How on earth did this happen so quickly : )).
For the past 23 years God as blessed me with the love of my life and a life I only dreamed of. I may not be rich in dollars but I feel so rich in love and just being happy with what the day brings.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year full of love, laughter and lots of hugs and great health.
Happy Birthday! I love all of the things you would tell your younger self! I would tell my younger self to “go for it” and don’t worry about what other people think of you…that’s been a very freeing part of growing older for me…
I turned 86 this Jan. and I know exactly what you mean, all of you. I know my days are numbered now and you all have many more years to live no doubt, and it is rude awakening when you look back and know the best part of your life is gone and you still haven’t achieved what you had hoped for and never will now. Get an education, set your sites high and realistic, wait until you are sure of your choice to marry and marry for all the right reasons. Leave sex out of the equation. Don’t wait till you retire to do things and travel you may not be able to then and it won’t be as much fun as when you are younger even if you can. Take care of your health it will make your later years so much better. Don’t smoke, drink , overeat, and keep exercising. Seek god, help your friends and neighbors, Love your children unconditionally, Teach them the beautiful things possible and how to achieve them even if you didn’t, Life is a short gift, work hard, play hard, retire as soon as you comfortably can. Plan for retirement, take out assisted living insurance, so that you can retire in a nice place when it is time .Your children are not obligated to take care of you and you need your independence too. Happy Birthday to all.
Oh my! LOVE all your wonderful advice! Everything you said is soooo true! God Bless you! I hope you lived a beautiful life! Take care and God Bless! Cindy
I say those things to myself all the time, time does seem to go so quickly and so many things to do differently, so why aren’t we doing them now? who knows why human nature is like it is, but this is the best life you’ll ever have, so enjoy, and I hope you have many more.
Oh my! I totally agree!!! I am 58 now ! Yikes!!! Where did my youth go? So many changes and I agree with what you said whole heartedly! I guess we need to embrace each and every day, they pass sooooo quickly ,! Live your best life! Be happy, and GO after your DREAMS !!
Happy B-Day Kim !!!
You’ll get through this with a little help from your friends.
My Dad was more the quiet type and never really said too much; but, when he did the message really seemed to hit home and stay with me. Like the time he heard me say that I wished it were Friday and he said, “You know, you’re just wishing your life away.”
I’m going to be 56 soon and tomorrow I’m going to be where Joan is, if I am lucky, 86. I would tell my younger self to pay attention to that old song by Peggy Lee, “Is That All There Is?” and we’d bring out the booze…. and have…. a ball…. Meaning–be present, take nothing for granted, and appreciate everything. Because this is it.
I would have told myself to figure out how to get to college and Be authentic. I finally figured out how to get to college, and I’m as authentic and real to myself and others as I can be.
I would tell myself, there is a time and season for everything, live like a child when you are young and when you get old to remember that season and live like a child in your heart.
I will be 60 in September, and trying hard to make improvements to my health and looks, my heart is still young.
Age in only a number if you dream like a child and love.
Happy birthday!