Lessons I Would Tell My Younger Self

I used to think growing up meant becoming more impressive (with ‘shiny’ achievements). 

Now I think it means becoming more honest. 

Honest about what I truly want.
Honest about what drains me.
Honest about who I’ve outgrown.
Honest about the fact that not everything that worked for everyone else is meant for me.

Some lessons were expensive. 

Some cost time. 

Some cost money. 

Some cost peace. 

Some cost tears. 

But the biggest shift? 

Realizing I don’t have to stay loyal to old versions of myself just because they survived something. I can say “kthxbye” and not look back. 👋✌️

1) 100 People saying something is right, doesn't mean YOU are wrong. 

If it doesn't resonate with you, it doesn't resonate with you. Period. 

Sometimes, 85% of people are just choosing comfort (not challenging the 'status quo') over questioning. 

Don't shrink just because you think you're the only one thinking differently. 

2) You will NEVER know the full context. 

So why are you doubting yourself based on incomplete information?

Timelines.
Comparisons. 

"I should have XXX by XXX". 

Says who?!

3) Quitting is NOT always failure. 

Just because you invested time doesn't mean you have to keep investing your life. 

Give up on:
- toxic friendships 
- energy vampires
- the book everyone loves but you secretly hate

You're allowed to choose peace over pride and the need to be 'right'. 

Who's the referee here anyway?

4) Don't cry over spilled milk. 

But also, don't leave it there. 

You can cry while reaching for a cloth. It's important to clean it up before it stinks. Then go get a new one. 

That's called 'moving on'. 

Stop identifying with your pain. Because that's how trauma becomes a personality. 

You don't see a happily married person venting about their ex from 10 years ago everyday. 

So why keep revising a chapter that you've already survived?

That's self-sabotage disguised as "processing", "learning from my mistake", "reminding myself"... 

Whatever it is, get over your excuses/rationalisation and live as a new version already. 

5) Remember how a bamboo grows. 

For 4 years, it looks like nothing is happening. 

In the 5th year, it grows 90 feet. 

Growth underground is still growth. 

Some seasons feel slow. Some efforts feel invisible. 

That doesn't mean it's not working. It might just be rooting. 

Remember that compounding is the 8th wonder of the world. 

6) You don't need validation from everyone. 

Prioritize your:
- happiness
- health
- peace
- beauty
- wealth 

If it doesn't add value to at least one of these, why are you entertaining it?

Also, not everyone cares about you, and you don't care about everyone too!