Life Lessons: What advice would you give to your younger self?

MY BPU’S!

Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas!

Recently I came across some pictures of my younger self, and I started looking at them to see how much I have changed physically. I also thought about what I would have done differently during those stages of my life, the lessons that I have learned, and what advice I would give to my younger self.

Of course, Golden Divas none of us can go back in time, and all those setbacks and mistakes that happened in the past gives way to some valuable lessons. Lessons that make us who we are. Without having lived through some things and making mistakes, we wouldn’t have the experiences and perspective necessary to become who we are today.

Nonetheless, who hasn’t wished they could go back and tell their younger selves something? I know I have.

Sure, it’s easy to know the right thing to do once we can look back. Heck, I’m reflecting over a thirty-seven-year span of my life when I was 17, in my 20s, 40s, and 50s. I know sometimes we wish we could go back and handle things differently because we understand it better now after it happened. But the reality is we can’t. Although, we know hindsight is a beautiful thing.

“It’s not what you go through that defines you; you can’t help that. It’s what you do AFTER; you’ve gone through it, that really tests who you are.”

Kwame Floyd

I wish I can sum my life up in one general quote, but I can’t. As it turns out, I have plenty to say.

So, here goes!

The wisdom I would share during the four stages of my life in these pictures.

MY BPU’S IN LIFE! BOLD. PRESENT. UNFORGETTABLE.

17 and 20s: Be who you truly are!
BOLD: Have fun. Never let anyone diminish your light. Let people see the real you. You don’t need to be perfect. Know you are worthy of great things. Take those risks, be confident and courageous. Speak up. Honor your body. Learn to love your flaws. Value your relationships. Stop comparing yourself to others. Carve out your path in life. Stay in school. Learn. Read a lot. Save your money. Find your passion in life.

The 40s: Stop Worrying!
PRESENT: Live in the present. Stop taking tension. Don’t get caught up in the difficulties of the moment. They are only temporary. Your failures today will lead to great success years later. Everything happens for a reason. When life gets hard, which in some cases it will just know this too will pass. Slow down, take a breath, get out of your head. Continue to trust God. Trust yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t dwell in the past; stuff happens, move on.

The 50s: Live Your Best Life!
UNFORGETTABLE: Be the trailblazer you are meant to be. Be impossible to forget, stay memorable, and become irreplaceable. Make a difference in this world. Give yourself moments to reflect. It’s never too late to change things up. Reinvent yourself, never give up, and god forbid never quit on yourself. Stay humble and embrace the unknown. Forgive yourself and others. Always be grateful. As long as you have breath in your lungs, be thankful.

BECOMING BRENDA
Dream More: Worry Less: Live your Life to the Fullest!

Talk to me: Golden Divas what advice would you give to your younger self?