Many of us have been considering of late big tech and social media giant Facebook… it’s many evils and misuses for bad deeds and the misinformation plague it helps to spread. The Social Dilemma was pretty confronting, even if it didn’t tell us stuff we didn’t already know on some level.
That is by way of disclaimer before I share something I once shared on FB, and cognisant of the fact I would not have been reminded of it were it not for FB’s ‘Memories’ feature.
On this day, 6 years ago, I shared some thoughts and reflections on Big Philosophical Life Questions for a friend’s project, framed as advice to my younger self.
It’s one of those rare examples of a post written by past me I’m comfortable sharing in it’s original state, unedited, unchanged.
In words made famous by Baz Luhrmann on The Sunscreen Song, “I will dispense this advice now”.
One of my oldest and most brilliant friends, approaching her 30th birthday, is compiling a collection of her favourite women’s advice to women younger than themselves. This is what I had to say.
On life choices: it’s harder to break away from the societal norm and what’s expected of you to take the road less travelled, but infinitely more rewarding to know you’ve made a conscious choice to do it the way you want. No one’s judgement can touch you when you’re secure in this knowledge.
On travel: don’t wait. Do it while you’re fit and healthy, and take photos to make your older self jealous. You will never regret the trips you take. Quote, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”.
On your body: nurture and honour your body, treat it with love and respect, but enjoy its pleasures too. Run for every person who can’t. And stretch.
On relationships: don’t let another person define you or prove your worth. However in love you may be, definitely don’t neglect everything else in your life thinking this love is all you need. It’s not, and nothing is guaranteed. Get to know yourself, uninhibited by another’s plans, expectations, demands. Nothing is sexier than someone who knows and loves themself. Cherish your friends.
On career: don’t be scared to change your mind. Don’t die wondering – learn what you love to do by eliminating things you don’t. I like to trust the old adage, “do what you love and the money will follow”.
On money: it comes and it goes, but don’t fritter it away on clothes when you have an entire wardrobe full of things you never wear. It’s infinitely more fulfilling to give to charity shops than to come home loaded with bags.
What’s your advice to your younger self?
B is for belt: the art of singing from the chest. 