>> by the time I figured out what was truly important the best opportunities had long since passed me by

I just read the above quote in another topic on these boards, and it got me thinking:

What would you tell your younger self, if you could? What would you have done differently?

I have tolded my younger self to be more picky with the men u have picked in your life.don't just settle.

Also I would have told myself finish your education.

If you'd done things differently, would you be your older self now?
Would you have listened to your own advice or pursued your own path anyway?

Looking backwards is educational, but changing it means a lot more than avoiding the mistakes you made - potentially making some worse than you actually had to experience. Worth the risk if you could?

Just thinking...

Then what would you tell your grandkids, if they asked you for advice about life? Lessons, mistakes?

No grandkids yet, but I tell my own kids what I experienced and know they'll have to make their own mistakes. Some stuff goes in one ear and out the other, I'm sure. I just know I can't live vicariously through them and "correct" anything from my past for myself.

Thats a good one! I have not gained as much wisdom as most who are reading this topic, but this is something I always tell a young person who will listen, if they are not in school. Its a very prejudiced world, and this is one way to overcome some of that prejudice.

GalendGirl,

Have you had any mentors in your life? Older people whom you respected, who had wisdom through experience that you didn't have, and whose advice you took to heart? If so, was any of their advice just generally good advice, to share with others?

The boss I had from age 39-48 was my only mentor. He didn't so much give advice, but empowered me to become the strongest person I could - including making mistakes as well as celebrating successes.

I'm not disagreeing that we should share info with younger people...and some advice may be taken to heart.

My original point was that if we could go back and give OURSELVES the same advice, would it change the person we have become for better or for worse? I believe that we all have our own life lessons to learn (for whatever reasons) and that we need to embrace the good and the bad roads we've come down. That's what makes us who we are today - including having the knowledge to want to share with others of any age.



I think this is a great thread, BTW - excellent discussion material.

I would have been more career minded.

I don't wanna change what i've done as it all made me who i am and i'm very happy with that

we watch

we listen

teach, teachers.

Ya don't get to be an old dog by doin' stupid puppy stuff
Don't poop in your food bowl
Stay outta the neighbors trash

When I was younger, I made a lot of mistakes, a bunch of bad decisions. But I did have enough sense to teach my children the basics of life at an early age. Love of God, respect of themselves and others, the value of family and friendship, how to be independant and to be able to take care of themselves. Today, they are much better at living their lives than I ever was.and their children also have a good grasp on what is important in life. There is no going back to change things that I have done, but at least I don't see the same mistakes happening with them.

I wouldn't change much because I ended up with a wonderful family and friends. I would have pursued my education though.

Welcome to 50 and over. Keep posting and meet lots of good people.

Lori, welcome to the site, I used to live in your Ralston.

I try to work with younger people, whenever poss.
Education is key to improving life.

Change my past? Not much would I change, for change one thing, you chnage everything. I am not proud of some of my past. However, with out the past, I wouldn't be the "old sage" you see before you.

Hey! I thought I was your mentor? Another blond moment I see.

Sorry babe...brilliant you are, but another man claimed my "mentor heart"

I agree with you. When some people ask what I would do differently, I always say nothing. It's not that my life was overly wonderful, but it did make me grow to be me. I am the strongest I have ever been in my life! Also, if I had made changes, then maybe I wouldn't have my children, or at least the children I have now.