Advice for those just starting out
It’s that time of year again; that time when the mailbox is full of wedding invitations and graduation announcements. I always look at them with a mix of envy and relief that they are the ones just starting out and not me. This year is especially poignant since our first grandson is among those graduating from high school.
I look at photos of me holding him as a baby, him taking his first steps, starting kindergarten, playing soccer, going to prom, and I wonder how it is possible that 18 years have passed since we welcomed him into the world.
I am so proud of the young man that he has become and eager to see what he does with this one big, wonderful life that he has in front of him. I know there will be dazzling successes and inevitably some dark times. None of us gets through life without them.
If I could offer any advice to my grandson and to all of those young people just starting out, these three things would be at the top of the list.
Take advantage of the opportunities life presents you.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~Mark Twain
Don’t let other peoples’ opinions or your own fears keep you from doing the things you truly want to do. I’m not saying you should act rashly without concern for consequences. I am saying if you have an opportunity to experience something new, travel, learn a skill, make a friend, take your dream job…do it. Even if it doesn’t work out exactly like you planned (and it rarely does), you will learn a little more about who you are and what you want out of life. Failure is just an opportunity for learning and growth.
And while I’m giving free advice, let me sneak in one extra tidbit. While you’re taking advantage of these opportunities, be present in the moment. If you’re thinking too much (remembering, analyzing, planning), take a break from your thoughts and check in with your sensations. Enjoy the here and now.
Take care of your body; it catches up to you faster than you think.
Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~Edward Stanley
I know, right now you are young and invincible. Your body is strong and keeps on going even if you feed it junk food and deprive it of sleep, but that won’t always be the case. And midlife, then old age, sneak up on your faster than you think. What you do to your body today, you will have to live with tomorrow. If you want to stretch out the adventure of life, and take full advantage of all this amazing world has to offer, show your body a little love today. As an added bonus, you’ll feel even better now (I promise!). Eating healthy can taste delicious, and being physically active can be fun. You just have to be creative about it—experiment a little, find what works for you.
The people in your life matter more than anything else.
In life, there are millions of human contacts and sometimes an unexpected meeting changes the trajectory through space and time just ever so slightly and nothing remains the same…In this world of mass confusion and hurried existence, human contact still continues to be the most profound impact in our short lives.” ~Sim Gill
Experiences are great. Things can be enjoyable. But nothing compares to the connections we make with people. No matter how busy your life gets, make time for family and friends; be kind to everyone you come in contact with; look for opportunities to connect with new people. Be open to people from all backgrounds, age groups, opinions, lifestyles.
On a related note, don’t waste a lot of energy on holding grudges, passing judgments, or seeking revenge. Everyone is going through something; cut them some slack. I love this Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quote: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” Besides, all of those negative feelings eat away at your peace of mind—not the other person’s. Buddha wasn’t wrong when he said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
Your turn
Well that’s it for my words of wisdom—take them for what they are worth. If you are among those just starting life’s journey, I’d love to hear what you are looking forward to next and what is the best or most unusual piece of advice you’ve received. I know most of my audience is, like me, closer to midlife; I’d love to hear what advice you have for those just starting out. Please share.
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Hi – love this. I think I need the same 3 pieces of advice now! I shared on FB… a new skill I’m working on. 🙂
Thanks Pat–and congratulations on your new blogging skill. 🙂
Great advice at any age, Christie! I hope your grandson reads your blog or, if he doesn’t, you might want to print this up and give it to him. How exciting to be starting out in life… I wish him all the best.
Thank you Janis. I think he read it–at least he shared it on Facebook. I feel pretty honored by that. 🙂
Congrats to Keaton! I’m just starting my grandma phase and can’t imagine them being 18! But when they are I hope I give them as good advice as you’ve given yours.
Ah, thanks Cindy. The time flies by so fast. Savor every moment!
After wiping the tears from my eyes, you have offered great words of wisdom for our grandson and others like him. It is crazy to think we have an 18 year old graduate!! And we have nine more to go which will feel like yesterday not “years” for their upcoming journeys .
We have been so Blessed to have brought two teenagers from each marriage and helped grow them into the parents they are ( four teenagers, what were we thinking!) and that we have seen each grandchild from the minute they were born to where they are in life today.
Thank you Chris for always knowing what to do, what to say, and to do all that through your words and writings, so very proud!
❌⭕️❌⭕️
We are blessed indeed. I love you and the family we have created. XO
Great advice and a wonderful and touching story of your family.
Thank you Fran.
Congratulation on your Grandson’s graduation. I love your advice, especially about not holding grudges, passing judgments, or seeking revenge. Very wise thoghts!
Thank you Donna. I try to follow my own advice, but it’s definitely a work in progress.
All so very true. I will have to steal some of this and tell my son. Thanks for sharing this . #MLSTL
Thank you Pat. Steal away. ?
That was great advice Christie – I wish someone had cared enough about me at that age to offer such sage words (I’d probably have ignored them – but still appreciated the wisdom). I can’t believe you have a grandson in his teens – you are holding your age remarkably well!
I think my piece of advice would definitely be to believe in yourself and step out of your comfort zone – change is scary – but never taking a risk and moving forward is just stagnation.
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
We ignore most of the advice we get, don’t we? Hopefully some of it sinks in. I agree with your advice 100 percent. I recently read a quote by Susan David, Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” Aint it the truth.
I will share the advice I gave to my daughter when she left the nest. “Buy a plunger before you NEED to buy a plunger.”
I love that advice–both literally and metaphorically, Cherie!
This great advice. I think the people in your life being most important is very good advice. I don’t think young people are as aware of how important family is nowadays.
It’s so easy to let work or other responsibilities consume our lives and forget what really matters in the long run. I still have to remind myself to accept invitations to lunch or walk breaks and make those human connections while I’m at work. Have a beautiful day!
Good advice for anyone, at any age or stage….
#MLSTL visitor (shared on SM)
Hello Donna and welcome! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment and share. It’s much appreciated!
Christie, great advice for those just starting out! Congratulations on (and to!) your delightful grandson!
Thank you Jean. It’s very exciting!
This is bittersweet. My granddaughter is graduating from high school this year and moving on to college in the fall. I wish I could send her in a protective bubble and at the same time, I want her to spread her wings and fly. Very thoughtful post.
You described my feelings about our grandson exactly. Thank you Clearissa.
HI Christie
Sounds like you hit on all the important stuff. And, it’s not just for those starting out. Your thoughts and quotes are great reminders for those of us who are on the other side of the mountain.
Laura
I am trying to follow my own advice, but it is a work in progress. It’s nice to know we can continue to learn and grow throughout our lifetime, right?
Congratulations to your grandson. Great advice! My husband and I are attending four graduations over the next three weekends for neices and nephews. We will be sharing some of your words of wisdom 🙂
That is very kind of you to say. So many amazing young people heading out into the world. I have great hope for our future.
Great advice! I have so much I want to say to my granchildren, and I say it. I just hope they remember what their old MawMaw told them! Thanks for linking up with us at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Hopefully, at least some of it sinks in over the years, huh? Welcome to the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty, by the way!
My advice would be that ANYTHING is possible, to reach for the stars, and don’t give up!
Excellent advice for those just starting out–and those of us further down the path of life. Thanks Dee!