If I Could Talk to My 26-Year-Old Self, This is What I'd Say

Welcome back, everyone! I'm thrilled to have you here.

This week, I want to share something personal—a reflection on what I’d say if I had a time machine.

If I could, I’d go back to my 26-year-old self and offer a few insights to help him navigate the challenges ahead. 

I’d tell him, There are a few truths that can change everything:

1. Waiting for the “Perfect Moment” is a Trap: There’s no ideal time to start anything meaningful. Waiting for the “perfect moment” only limits your potential. When you finally decide to take action, you’ll realize that if you’d started earlier, you’d be miles ahead. 

Time is a gift; don’t squander it by waiting for stars to align.

2. Self-Sabotage is Actually Trying to Tell You Something: Our subconscious can trip us up as a means of protection, nudging us back toward the right path. Failure feels like a setback, but it’s often just a sign you’re chasing something that doesn’t truly resonate with you. 

It’s better to stumble a few times on the path to your calling than to spend your whole life pursuing what doesn’t fulfill you.

3. Life is Happening – You Can Choose to Make It Happen: You can live reactively, waiting for life to “just happen,” or you can take charge and make things happen. Many people stay in “wait” mode, only to feel disappointment when life doesn’t deliver what they envisioned. 

Be bold, be curious, and realize that sometimes, impatience is your best ally. Lean in, and face life head-on.

4. You Are Not as Important as You Think – And That’s Liberating: Recognizing that the world will keep turning without you is freeing. It allows you to release the heavy burden of others’ expectations. 

When you stop worrying about what everyone else thinks, you gain space to fully express who you are. Embrace that freedom.

Life Reinvents Us Over and Over Again

It feels like I’ve lived multiple lives within this one. Who I am at 47 is completely different from who I was at 40, 33, or even 26.

I’ve lived through several “versions” of myself, each one shaped by growth, failure, and new understanding. 

And I’m confident there are still more versions to come. Realizing that we all go through these transformations helps us let go of our past mistakes and look forward with open minds.

To anyone reading this, especially those at the start of their journey – learn from these lessons, and don’t let life’s tough moments hold you back. 

Embrace each version of yourself, and make every phase of your life count.

Don’t make the same mistakes.

What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! 

Don't forget to share this post and check out my profile for more insights.

See you next time! 

Let's keep spreading kindness.