I wish I knew then what I know now…

 

I am upon the Eve of my Birthday. This is a great time to reflect upon the things I know NOW that I wish I knew five, ten or more years ago. The idea for this article evolved after reading a blog written by Insight: My 25 Rules of Adulthood.

With each day and every new experience I feel I have grown wiser. Passing this wisdom down to my younger self would have been awesome, but was I ready to hear it or understand it? Probably not. I will never know; however, here are a few of the things I have learned thus far in my life’s journey and perhaps you can gain some wisdom from it.

I wish I knew then what I know now:

1. The difference between IMPORTANT and URGENT; not everything that is urgent is important.
2. I should only value what I think of myself; and, not what others think of me. And, remember that I am FABULOUS just by being me.
3. Happiness is a choice; so is fun, joy, love, etc. I can choose to be positive or negative!
4. Acts of love and kindness deliver more than I might expect as my heart grows bigger and bigger with each gift.
5. The path will have obstacles, which are there to teach lessons, provide experiences and assist in my growth and development.
6. In most instances, there is no right or wrong, only different perspectives.
7. Time does indeed heal all wounds and grant me insight if I give myself enough time and space from my hurts and wounding.
8. There is a reason for everything…I have lived through many challenges that I now see I needed to go through in order to be who I am today.
9. I am always where I need to be.
10. To listen to my inner voice, that whisper that comes when I am sitting quietly, especially outdoors in nature. 
11. Life truly is an adventure, a never-ending, journey…I just need to show up to participate.
12. If I truly want something, passionately and with clarity, I will get it.

What have you learned so far in your life’s journey? Please share in the comments.

Related articles

• My 25 Rules of Adulthood (insightweblog.wordpress.com)
• Things I Learned At My Birthday Party (wholecreativity.wordpress.com)
• My Life is not what I expected (misswhiplash.wordpress.com)
• Spiritual insights – Part 1 (peaceofaman.wordpress.com)
• Window 41 (awindowofwisdom.wordpress.com)
• Realizing That I Am Part of a Whole. (responsiveuniverse.wordpress.com)
• The Secret Scroll Marked I-Og Mandino (speedwater.wordpress.com)

 

Reflection

What is reflection? To me, reflection is careful consideration, looking back on a time or event in our lives, which often gives us insight to how things could have been different or perhaps even handled better. To look back on how we handled an event in our lives can be quite useful for future events. It helps us grow and develop as a person; and, evolve as people, especially when we reflect with a different perspective or frame of reference.

When I reflect back on specific events in my life, I see clearly other ways I could have acted. Using this information allows me to act differently if I did not like the outcome of a previous experience. Reflection is a great tool and can bring more joy into one’s life as long as you see each experience as a life lesson or blessing through the reflection and NOT as a regret or mistake.