Published via Ecency

Happy new week, y'all amazing people!

Today is a holiday here in the Philippines, and likewise tomorrow. For some reason, I have been contemplating on things, thoughts running through my head, and ironically, I came across @wesphilbin's post regarding a prompt from the Daily Thoughtful Post Community. I honestly have had these questions lately and might as well share my thoughts with y'all.

These are big questions, and sometimes it takes time to figure them out. But I always remember that the best part is that we can always learn and grow from our experiences at any age. Just take life one day at a time and enjoy the journey.

So here is the prompt question:

"If you could go back in time and give your younger self three pieces of advice, what age would you choose to visit yourself at? What wisdom do you choose to impart, and why?"

These are my answers as of this moment. It might change later, but here we go:

First, I probably go back to when I was 15, and I would tell myself not to worry so much about fitting in. Everyone is unique, and that's what makes us special. It's a tough age, and at that time, I was hooked on my small peers, and the pressure to fit in can be quite overwhelming. I had hobbies and interests, but I preferred to go with what my friends wanted. I just wish I could go back.

Second, I probably go back to when I was 21. I would advise myself to embrace every opportunity that comes my way, even if it seems scary at first. It's through new experiences that we grow and learn the most. I would also advise myself to learn how to deal with different kinds of people. Although I graduated at the age of 19, was employed at the age of 20, and had worked in different places, I ended up jumping from one job to another. I was not happy being with people. It's one of the things I am not good at. Up to the present, I still have a hard time people-ing. I am not anti-social; I am just very introverted, and I love my own little space.

Third, I'd say age 26. I would remind myself to always make time for the people I care about. Relationships are precious and should be nurtured. I started living independently at the age of 20, had my own apartment, and lived far away from my family. I also worked overseas, and at that time, there was no social media yet. A few years later, I worked in the BPO industry, which is also far from my family. I could only travel back home like 2 or 3 times a year. My dad has already passed away, and so has my only sister. My mom is now a senior citizen and lives alone in our family house back in the countryside. Every holiday or weekend when I can, I try to visit her. I am now just a 20-minute ride from her house.

Why these ages? Well, I think these are pivotal moments in life where these pieces of advice would have made a significant impact. But you know, it's never too late to learn and grow, right? Whew! That was a little emotional, but yeah. Life is what we make it.