Advice from the Future, Please…

Sometimes, I wish I could have a conversation with my older self just to ask for words of wisdom that could save me from some of the challenges I’ve faced. But would I be the person I am today if I had that guidance, or is this just a comforting thought we tell ourselves to make sense of our journey?

I often wonder: Am I on the right path? Is there such a thing as the “right path”?

My personal theory has always been that it should be something you’re endlessly passionate about—not just in a physical sense, but something that fuels you the more you engage with it. But how do you find that passion? How do you know when you’ve found it?

It’s like searching for a specific object in a room full of random things—you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, but you trust your intuition and rely on trial and error to recognize it when you see it.

Until we find that “object,” we must follow life’s clues, learning along the way. That’s what living is.

My greatest certainty is that I’ll know it when I see it. But my biggest fear? I might spend a lifetime searching for something that doesn’t exist, only to discover I was chasing an illusion all along.

My Words of Wisdom to my younger self:

1. Don’t Lose Faith in Yourself—It Will Be Okay

Admitting when you’re wrong is a sign of strength, not weakness. But when you make mistakes too often, it’s easy to start doubting yourself and your decisions. In those moments, other people’s opinions can start to weigh more heavily than they should.

Remember, everything happens for a reason, and those experiences shape who you are. It’s not just a cliché.

This is your life, choices, and consequences—good and bad. People love to take credit when their advice works out but rarely feel responsible when things go wrong.

As long as your decisions make sense, that’s what matters. Tune out the noise.

2. Be Selective with the Company You Keep

It’s naive to think those around you do not influence you.

Snoop Dogg once said, “As you grow, you lose certain homies, and closing the gap has to be them catching up to you—not the other way around.”

Some people won’t bring out the best in you—they might even be toxic. You don’t have to get along with everyone, not even family, but steer clear of those who bring out the worst in you.

3. Invest Time in What Makes You a Better Person

This isn’t just about what makes you happy but what fine-tunes you.

Invest in your mind, body, and spirit. Pick a sport and stick with it—it’s crucial! And no, riding dirt bikes doesn’t count.

Set aside time for family and others who help you become a better version of yourself.

4. Think Strategically

Plan your day and stick to that plan. If you want to change something, include it in tomorrow’s plan.

This builds self-discipline and strengthens your mind. Accomplishing goals does both. Start with small goals and build from there—make your bed, do daily push-ups, or meditate.

Just know this: You’ll live to be at least 46 years old, and every action has consequences. Maybe not immediately, but eventually.

5. Value Those Who Care

The people you love and who love you back are the ones you’ll celebrate with and turn to for comfort. They might be family, or they might be friends—the family you choose.

Genuine care lifts you up, even if it’s through tough love. If you feel drained, that’s not real support.

Not everyone who calls themselves a friend really is, and not all family members are truly family. The sooner you figure out who’s who, the better.

Food for Thought

  1. Do what you say and mean what you say.
  2. False modesty is foolish—own your strengths as well as your flaws.
  3. Just because someone else couldn’t do it doesn’t mean you can’t. It’s a different time, a different place, and a different person—those who couldn’t succeed often think you can’t either.
  4. Change your perspective on chances. You can focus on the 80% chance of failure or the 20% chance of success—your choice.
  5. Celebrate the journey because it’s far more important than the destination.
  6. (This bears repeating) Remember the saying: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you who you are.”
  7. Your life seems to run in eight-year cycles. Every eight years, you’ll feel the urge to make a significant change, so make the most of those times.

In Conclusion

Looking back, I might change things, but at 46, I’ve realized that every misstep, wrong turn, and lesson has shaped who I am today. Life isn’t about having all the answers from the start; it’s about figuring it out as you go, trusting yourself even when the path is unclear. I’m still here, learning and striving to improve—that’s what really matters. Embrace the journey, stay true to yourself, and remember that the search, not just the destination, makes life meaningful.
Keep pushing forward with faith in your path because your journey defines who you become!