I have been musing with the idea of writing a blog post about what I would say to my younger self for a while. It’s a scenario regularly visited by soaps and sitcoms when they run out of ideas but it poses an important notion; if you could change anything in your past what would it be? I was going to include a photo of me at 15 but hell no one needs to be put through that torture.
“In 20 years, you will be more disappointed by what you didn’t do than by what you did” – Mark Twain
There are a few things I would tell my young self but one that has always plagued me was what would I do if I could change one decision I made in my past. One yes turned into a no, one left turned into a right. Mine would probably be to carry on acting; it is one thing I miss in my life now and I always wonder how far it could have gone. It would have more than likely turned into nothing but regret is a beast that eats away at undiscovered choices.
I would probably also tell my younger self to say no to eating that Chicken in Jaipur – that did not end well.
So my question to you is what choice would you go back and change? What would you tell your 15 year old self?
Ooh, so many things to put down here… Firstly, I think we need to see the 15-yr-old you (you suffered a 3-yr-old me a few weeks back, so it’s only fair!). For my part, would I tell me that I would not die by the time I was 40? Would I say that there’s so much more to being grown up than to be approaching the age of 16? I think I would encourage me to talk to my grandparents about their lives, to be less harsh on my parents, and that everything would work out in the end. Grab every opportunity going, have no regrets, but be sensible.
(It’d be intriguing to write a letter to the alternative Richards, where the Turn Left option was not taken…)
I really agree with your bit about becoming a grown up at 16, so so true. I still remember turning 13 and thinking that was old. I guess all your points are the fear of getting old we have at that age, funny how looking up is terrifying but looking back makes us seem ridiculous.
I tell you what if I get more than 20 comments I will post a photo of me at that age (its really not a pretty thing!)
It’s weird, because I distinctly remember being 16 and telling a teacher that I was an adult (as part of a general conversation, not a stroppy teenager). I was also convinced that I would not live beyond 40..
(I’m guessing you mean 20 comments from different people, not all from me… :P)
Reblogged this on ckponderings and commented:
One to get you thinking on a weekday afternoon…
ciao! as the past passed; in the now act…at 18 i understood there are no rehearsals. must move on, with your past, which is part of you and your now…forward only. yes, easier said than done:)
thebestdressup
No rehearsals, thats a great motto to live by! Thanks for commenting
To take the job offer and not stay at school
I bet there are plenty of people who have the same regret and a lot too that regret leaving school to take a job instead of staying in…
I did everything right at 15…. Straight A grades, studied violin, and was good at it…. at 15… hmmmm…. had a crush on a guy…. should have been brave and told him. he never knew … what if I told him? Who knows?
If that is your only regret then you have lived well!!
carried the torch for him for 3 years though, * smiles* I still think of what if.
You should try and find him hehe
I would tell myself to get outside of my own head more.