A Conversation with My Younger Self

There is no question that life is tough …. and often you don’t realise just how tough until you are older and more mature.

The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing. And whilst it’s not realistic to think you could have changed anything, taking a look back over your shoulders can be a worthwhile exercise in evaluating just how far you’ve come. I know I have been telling you how important it is to stay in the present, but just for a little while, let’s go back through the past.

Let’s inject some imagination into this exercise, just to make it a little more interesting....

Imagine you are walking along minding your business when you are drawn to an object on the footpath which is actually blocking your way. Its looks rather odd, out of place; does anybody actually use this thing anymore?

The nice shiny red telephone box is what has attracted your attention. The phone is ringing; not something you hear every day. You look around; there is no one on sight. You decide that it must be meant for you.

Somewhat bewildered, you proceed to pick up the receiver. You are old enough to know how this thing works.‘Hello…???

“Hi there me, this is you.”

What? This must be a joke. Sure sounds like you though; a younger version of you. There you go, you have your attention. It probably won’t last that long. Better make the most of it. What are you going to tell your younger self?

Here is my conversation with me ….

Hi Pina, it's great to hear from you. How old are you? Why are you calling me on the pay phone, surely you have a mobile?

Young Pina responds: what on earth is a mobile? I’m 21, why? How old are you?

You don't know what a mobile phone is? Of course, gee, yes, it is something you will learn about in time. It is something you can’t do without. Your life will actually revolve around it. It will never be too far from your reach.

I am so glad you called. You know, I don’t think of you often but sometimes it does cross my mind that I may need to tell you something.

So, you’re 21?

Wow, I guess you are about to go overseas with your best friend Nadia. Well, I won’t spoil it for you but you are going to have the best time ever. Don’t let anything get to you. There will be times when you are exhausted from all of the travel and carrying luggage but nothing will dampen your enthusiasm. It will be so good that you and Nadia will continuously refer back to this special time with a knowing smile for many years to come.

You will learn a lot about yourself on this trip and when you get home, you will make some changes. Just go with it and remember that even though you may be forced out of your comfort zone, you will gain a greater understanding of who you are and what you really want in life.

It took me a long time to become aware of things, and I know they are just things you will have to learn through experience, by living through them. Sometimes I wish I had learnt them sooner, but the fact is that life has a divine order and things happen when they are meant to. The only thing I can say that might help, is to learn to trust and have faith. Relax and don’t stress about the outcomes. Don’t try to control things. Life is much more pleasant if you just go with it.

Don’t overthink and analyse…. (yes, I finally got there) and please, please, learn to hold your cards closer to your chest. You are an open book and whilst your openness is an admirable quality, you can be just as real and authentic by talking less and listening more. Let me tell you, this particular lesson took me a while to learn. It would benefit you greatly if you could speed up that process a little.

Let’s just say that your openness will land you in some hot water from time to time.

There will be times that you will make yourself small just to appease others. It’s not ideal and I hope you can change this for you. In those times, don’t ever lose sight of who you really are. Hold onto your dreams; believe you can achieve them. Don’t disregard your ambitions, this is who you are and who you were put on this earth to be. Use the time in between to learn as much as you can, about the subjects, but more importantly, about yourself. It will hold you in good stead when it comes time to put your foot on the accelerator. Once that time comes, you will want to be confident and prepared because it will be a fast, exciting, hell of a ride.

Be brave. Stand in your light. Don’t dim the lights to please others who prefer to live in the dark. Live life the way you want to. Believe it true love and believe you will find it, or it will find you. Don’t ever give up hope, especially when success is in your reach. Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it scares the shit out of you. These are the opportunities for the greatest growth. These are the times that push you forward; don’t shy away from them and don’t ever think that life is more comfortable when you are standing still. Keep moving forwards. Small steps every day is all that is required, and if you stuff up, you get another chance to start again tomorrow. Consistency and balance are the key.

The important thing I guess, is that you don’t have any regrets. Be a good person, have fun, be silly but don’t do anything you will regret….. or on second thoughts… a little regret is not too bad. Know that each experience comes with a lesson and all of these lessons make up a small part of a long journey. Learning from your experiences will enable you to grow and continue on the path towards fulfilling your purpose. Life is all about what happens along the way, and less about actually getting there. The learning takes place within the gaps; the answers can be found within the silent pauses. Growth and progress are what give you the greatest rewards. Make sure you stop to acknowledge these.

I am not quite sure if we ever reach our destination, perhaps we don’t want to. Would reaching it mean you are at the end? At this point in my life, I am just enjoying the ride, in continuous awe of how things unfold, and forever curious about what comes next.

Listen, there will be times in your life, and you won’t necessarily realise them at the time, when you will be presented with glimpses of what your future will look like. Learn to read the signs. Also learn to distinguish between your mind and your gut. I have spent far too much time believing what my mind was telling me. The truth and the answers reside in your soul. Learn to tune in to your core, your essence. This is the only thing you can rely on for sure. Trust what you feel deep in your gut. You will find that it is never wrong and can lead you on an incredible ride.

I am so fortunate to know what I know now, and I am still learning. It does feel like it took me a long time to get here though… but I know I had to learn the lessons for myself, as you will have to. I just hope that this little trip through your crystal ball gives you some comfort that everything will turn out just fine.

My last piece of advice, without giving too much away… don’t let anyone tell you that dreams don’t come true. Believe in fairy tales, believe in magic, it’s the ones that don’t, that will never find it. You will, I promise. Look at me, I am living proof that magic is real, you just have to believe that in life you attract what you want, but more importantly, you attract what you need. The universe rewards good people and responds to everything you project. Only put out good things and watch them return to you with interest.

Oh, and before I forget…. you really are beautiful. I know that not too many people have told you this, but you are. You will learn to love and appreciate who you are. Beauty is projected from within. People are drawn to what you radiate, your energy. I know you can’t see it because looking in the mirror just doesn’t do it justice. Just trust it, and if you don’t believe me, take a look at the people who surround you and know that you have the capacity to attract good things.

Forgive those around you who lack awareness; they operate only with the tools they have been given. Forgive yourself for anything you think you may have caused when you were a child;  you were a child, it wasn’t your fault.

I better go now, my mobile is ringing. It has been lovely chatting to you. I hope you feel good about what awaits you. I am extremely grateful for what life has given to me; my family, my health, my awareness, my perspective and positivity.

Live your life based on how you want to be remembered; what you stand for and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

It really is that simple.

No need to complicate it.

Good bye and good luck, I will be cheering for you.....