What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?

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There isn’t one single piece that can cover all the bases.  Just isn’t possible.  Life ain’t that way. 

Especially now.  Nothing is or can be simple.  

But I will do my best.  

One tenet I hold dear is embrace risk in a healthy fashion.  

I think many, across all generations, tend to think that when some chosen path happens to lead to a cult de sac, then,  it was just a waste of  time, talent and treasure.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  All that was experienced during that time essentially became an extension of you.  It’s not like it is some outfit you can put into a garbage bag and drop off at Goodwill.  Nothing is ever wasted.  It should be regarded as a treasured resource. Given solely to you. 

Another that I need to truly need to hear is forgive yourself.  

Akin to the preceding morsel, trying and failing does not make you a failure.  It is a display of courage, evidence of intention and witness to vulnerability. All vaunted qualities.that can somehow morph into a sense of worthlessness, total inability and just plain being a loser.  Then,  surround yourself with those that only corroborate your remorse, or worse, denigrate you and the outcome. The possibility of any modicum of forgiveness or hope for that matter, is gone or nil at best.  

Welcome an attitude of gratitude.  

My sense is that gratitude is simply an awareness of the good that currently permeates life. Simple things that get overlooked, are ignored or are simply misunderstood.  Getting distracted by some of the worldly objects and ego or pride driven decisions blinded me to what really matters. I am sure others have experienced the same. Remove the blinders, pull out the buds and be present to all surrounding you.  Talk about true serenity. 

Lastly,  there is this piece I would like to offer up for consideration.

One that truly holds me dear now that I have come to fully accept and embrace it.  

Finally. 

Just be honest. Beyond oneself and unto others. This begets trust. Faith.  And ultimately belief. All the way around. 

Then, you can truly be. 

Yourself.