A Note to My 20-year Old Self

As we enter into our time of Thanks-Giving with friends and family, and from there into the whirlwind of fun, work and activities of the holidays, I want to stop and write a message to my 20-year-old self.

This message is musings of my wisdom and learnings (such as they are) to the person at 20, so many decades ago, and yet just yesterday in my mind. It is also a message to my own daughter, who will reach that 20-year-old milestone in a few months.

1. Be bold and keep raising the bar for yourself. Never settle. It won’t always feel good to always be reaching. But in the end, it will be all good.
2. Know your values and never compromise on them for any reason.
3. Make a stand for yourself and help others make a stand for themselves, but only if they want your support. This is the only way to overcome injustice and complacency, and help us all as individuals, as leaders, as people do our part in making the world a better place.
4. “Right” has many definitions, many contexts. Never judge those who feel like they are doing the ‘right’ thing. Beware of people who would judge you for doing what you think is the right thing.
5. Be ever inclusive, especially with people who don’t think or act like you do. It benefits everyone.
6. Do the right thing, even if it’s inconvenient, even if there’s no reward, even if there’s a negative consequence.
7. Have patience and tolerance for yourself and others. It’s a great path for growing and thinking and expanding.
8. Take a page from Maya Angelou’s book – it’s more important how you make someone feel than it is what you DO.
9. Celebrate the little things. Don’t take them for granted as they are the essence of life.
10. It’s all about energy and love. Love what you do, and do it with and for people you love being with. Have the energy to do it well, and enjoy doing it well with and for others.

I hope that you also find it relevant and interesting for yourself and those you touch. Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays!

Advertisement