Slice of Life: What Would You Say to Your Twenty-Year-Old Self? #SOL20 #TWTBlog

Somehow our eyes meet for a second.  She immediately turns toward me, clipboard in hand.  My son looks at me, shakes his head and says, “You are going to say yes aren’t you.”  He knows me too well.  “We will wait for you in the chairs by the library.”  I smile at the young woman approaching and nod.  I listen to her explain her project.  I think about her question and ponder what I would say to my 20-year-old self.

So, what would I say to my 20-year-old self …

I wouldn’t say finish your dissertation to get your Ph.D. …

            You’ll create a career you love

I wouldn’t say you should have three kids like your family …

            Caring for your mom will be a defining role

I wouldn’t say don’t worry about your kids …

They will be fine AND parents should worry

I wouldn’t say take on less …

            Saying “yes I can help” is part of who you are

I wouldn’t say life is easy …

            Surrounding yourself with the right people make it worth living

I would say…

            Remember to laugh every day

            Slow down and appreciate

            Spend time with friends

            Create your family

            Take care of your community

            Set high expectations

            Celebrate at every chance

            Care for yourself

            Be you and trust.

“Thank you.”

“No worries.  It was fun.”  I turn to find my family and pause.  “Hey, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“What would you say to your 49-year-old self?”

I have thought quite a bit about these questions since last fall.  Would I live life differently if I knew what life would and wouldn’t bring?  Would I appreciate life as much if I knew what to expect?  Is wisdom something you give someone or is it only earned through experience?  Is it better to look back or look forward?  What is gained from talking to your past or future self? 

So, I ask you … what would you say to your 20-year-old self or your future self?

Clare

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