I came across a social media post from The Good Quote, where they quoted 40’ers who gave advice to when they were in their twenties. It made me think about what I would say to my ten or fifteen years younger self.
I’m only a 30’er, just fresh, with my 31 years. Even though, I have plenty of life lessons I’d like to share. I live happy, balanced and free of stress. I wake up every day wanting to live.
The first lesson that – for some reason – popped up in my head for my younger self is “make your own rules”. When we’re young we get dictated everything, and because we’re physically less strong, we just must obey. We learn to behave. We learn to listen. We learn to be like our parents, teachers, and peers. We live up to other people’s standards.
It took me quite some time to figure out that the rules I had created for myself in my life are not all mine. I automatically live up to them, but when I think of it, I didn’t want them. Everyone else’s rules, you adapt automatically when you’re younger.
But (big butt), in life, you will learn the most about yourself and life, when you not listen to others/other people’s rules. You learn when you yourself discover the boundaries of time and space. When you live up to your own creativity.
Physical rules: Sunday morning, you must not eat croissants per sé (you can eat pie if you like). It’s not mandatory to pack your bags a week before the holidays (why pack anyway). It’s not mandatory to start your workday at 9 (if you’re a night owl, what’s the fun in acting like a chicken). It’s not mandatory to reply to messages within minutes (who needs a cell phone anyway).
Mental rules: It’s not wrong to fail (I find this actually great and fueling). Shaming kids is not a good thing (instead, use opportunity, explanation, and patience). Being vulnerable is not a weakness (I find this an act of bravery).
Make your own rules.