As someone who has recently completed five decades, I have been thinking a lot about what I have and have not achieved in life. There’s a lot I wanted to do but for some reason, did not. So, there’s a lot I want to accomplish in the next few decades.

Plus, it’s the end of the year and this is a time of contemplation and retrospection so I thought I would post about this topic so others can learn from my life. So here are twelve pieces of life advice I would give my younger self.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life can be tough, but it’s important to remember to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. When you learn to laugh at yourself, you’ll find that life becomes a lot more enjoyable. You’ll also find that people are more drawn to you when you have a good sense of humour and don’t take yourself too seriously. So, the next time you make a mistake or do something silly, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, laugh it off and move on.

Embrace your uniqueness. Everyone has quirks, and that’s what makes us unique. Instead of trying to hide them, embrace them! You’ll find that people will appreciate you more for being yourself. Don’t seek to blend in; celebrate what sets you apart. Your quirks and idiosyncrasies are what make you, well, you, stand out from the crowd, and they’re what make you interesting. In a world that often encourages conformity, it’s the outliers who bring innovation and fresh perspectives. Be confident in your individuality.

Travel as much as you can. Traveling is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons and learn about different cultures. It can also help you gain a new perspective on life and appreciate what you have. When you travel, you’ll learn about different customs, foods, and ways of life. You’ll also meet new people and make new friends. So, whether you’re travelling to a new country or just exploring a new part of your city, make sure to take advantage of every opportunity to travel.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of life, and it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone on the path to growth and achievement. Every setback carries lessons that will serve you in the future. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you rise. When you’re not afraid to fail, you’ll find that you’re more willing to take risks and try new things. You’ll also learn more from your failures than from your successes. So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, don’t be afraid to take a risk. Even if you fail, you’ll learn something valuable that will help you in the future.

Be kind. The world can be a challenging place, and it’s easy to become jaded. But always remember the power of kindness. Be kind to others, and equally important, be kind to yourself. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, but it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend. When you’re kind to yourself, you’ll find that you’re happier and more confident. So, whether you’re dealing with a difficult situation or just having a bad day, remember to be kind to yourself.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own journey in life, and it’s important to remember that you’re on your path. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your progress and growth. You’ll find that you’re much happier and more fulfilled when you’re not constantly comparing yourself to others.

Cherish your health. Your health is your most valuable asset and your body is your lifelong companion, so treat it with the respect it deserves. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you take care of your body, you’ll find that you have more energy and feel better overall. You’ll also be less likely to get sick or develop health problems in the future. Health is a treasure too often appreciated only in its absence.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others when you need support or guidance. Whether you’re dealing with a personal problem or a work-related issue, there’s no shame in asking for help. You’ll find that people are often more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Be open to new experiences and remain curious. Life is full of surprises, and it’s important to be open to new experiences. When you step outside of your comfort zone, you’ll find that you grow and learn more than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re trying a new food or learning a new skill, be open to new experiences and opportunities. Never let your curiosity wane. It’s the engine that drives personal and intellectual growth. Ask questions, seek answers, and remain inquisitive.

Cherish your relationships. Your relationships with family and friends are some of the most important things in life. Material possessions, though enticing, pale in comparison to the richness of meaningful relationships. Make sure to cherish them and make time for the people who matter most to you. Whether you’re spending time with your parents or catching up with an old friend, make sure to prioritize your relationships. Cultivate empathy and be there for those who matter most to you and life becomes so much richer and more fulfilling.

Be resilient. You are stronger than you realise. Resilience is a remarkable human trait and in moments of hardship and adversity, you realise that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. In the face of adversity, you will discover your inner strength and emerge wiser and more resilient.

Keep learning: Education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Commit to a lifetime of learning and personal growth. Even in failure, there is a lesson to be learned. Seek knowledge, explore new interests, and challenge your preconceptions. The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. Embrace this journey of intellectual discovery.

Wisdom comes as you grow older and learn life’s lessons. The younger me would have perhaps dismissed these lessons had they come from someone else, and I guess that’s the thinking of a younger brain. But hopefully, those who read this post will learn from my life and won’t make the same mistakes. Every life experience, good or bad, happy or challenging, contributes to us as individuals. Each step, each choice, and each lesson are part of the incredible mosaic that is your story. Embrace it, learn from it, and treasure every moment, for they are the chapters of the remarkable book of your life.