It’s funny how our perceptions and points of view on the many aspects of life change as we age.
I often wonder if having a wise mentor 20 years my senior would have smoothed out some of life’s bumps. But then again, who’s to say I would’ve been ready to listen? I suppose there’s something to be said for stumbling through challenges on our own. Maybe those figurative kicks to the face, as tough as they were, taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned any other way. Still, I can’t help but think a little guidance might have been nice.
You know, if I had just half of my current wisdom when I was 18, I’d be strutting around like I invented sliced bread and cool sunglasses. Instead of awkward dance moves, I’d be busting out life hacks like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. But hey, at least now I can laugh at my younger self and pretend I planned this whole “learning from experience” thing. Rock on, older me!
In March, Tessa Schlesinger published an article on Medium.com entitled The Things I’ve Realized at 72.
“There is so much knowledge available. Why aren’t we taught it when we are young?”, she asked.
Tessa created a list of things she wished she’d learned when she was young and insists knowing these things would have made a huge difference in her life.
In my words, here are just a few of those realities:
Money and happiness
Money doesn’t buy happiness, right?
Oh boy, buckle up for this rollercoaster ride through the land of cold, hard cash! Turns out, money isn’t just green paper to wipe your tears with – it’s actually pretty darn important for staying alive. Who knew?
Now, don’t get me wrong, money isn’t some magical unicorn that poops rainbows and happiness. It can’t always save you from life’s lemons, but boy oh boy, can it buy you a fancy lemonade stand and can help make ordinary struggles in life a lot easier.
Need a doc to fix your creaky bones? Ka-ching! Dreaming of a home that doesn’t have more residents of the six-legged variety than humans? Ker-ching! Need a good lawyer to ease the penalty for that awful DUI? Ka-ching! Wanna fix those buck teeth? Ka-ching!
So, while money can’t guarantee you’ll never stub your toe or get stuck in traffic, it sure can grease the wheels of life’s little luxuries. Just remember, folks: Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly rent it for a pretty long time!
Say cheese
I once worked with a grumpy, old gentleman who wore a frown all day EXCEPT on the few occasions he interacted with guests at large meetings. He’d grin from ear to ear and project the aura of a totally different, much friendlier person.
When we consider the act of greeting others, it’s worth reflecting on the profound impact a simple smile can have. A warm smile, paired with a greeting, has the potential to ease tensions and create a more positive atmosphere in almost any scenario.
The real challenge lies in cultivating a sincere warmth towards others, so that our smiles become natural expressions of goodwill rather than mere social conventions. This approach could lead to more enhanced and meaningful connections.
Schooling can be BS
Here’s one that struck a chord with me.
Unlike Tessa, I don’t think schooling is total bullshit but as someone who graduated from a four-year college in the 1990s, the high school and college models are flawed. Who needs to take all these frivolous elective courses when you know you won’t use any of what you’ve learned in your career? For me, classes like French, Biology, Music, Geometry, and Poetry were a waste of hundreds, if not thousands, of study hours.
It’s disheartening to see how much of the curriculum is irrelevant to students’ future lives, rendering a significant portion of schooling pointless.
While certain fundamental subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic remain crucial, the system fails to prioritize essential life skills. It’s absurd that students aren’t taught practical abilities such as financial management, food preparation, or basic craftsmanship. Instead of focusing on these vital competencies, schools waste time on information that will likely never be applied in real-world scenarios.
Habitual liars
Let’s face it: lying is a pervasive issue in our society. Consider how often people resort to deception for personal gain or self-preservation. Men might lie to satisfy their sexual desires or climb the corporate ladder, while women might do so for financial security or to secure a marriage. Many justify these actions, believing the ends justify the means. However, we can’t ignore the devastating impact these lies have on their victims.
Acknowledge this harsh reality: simply telling people not to lie isn’t enough. We must also educate them about the prevalence of deception in our world.
Always prepare for unexpected expenses
This is something I learned the hard way. I purchased a home in my 20s and got a heavy dose of fiscal reality. When budgeting, there were so many expenses I didn’t consider. Appliances need to be replaced, cars need servicing, plumbers have to be called, friends who get married need gifts, yards must be maintained, waiters must be tipped, and sometimes you must pay an arm and a leg to park when you’re hanging with friends on a Friday night.
Financial preparedness is essential for long-term stability. It’s advisable to establish a contingency plan, particularly when you start generating income. Allocating a portion of your earnings to savings is crucial for unforeseen circumstances, commonly referred to as “rainy days.” These unexpected events are inevitable in life.
While social activities and new clothing purchases may be desirable, they are not essential. In contrast, building an emergency fund, often called a “nest egg,” is a critical financial strategy. This reserve can provide a safety net during times of financial stress or unexpected expenses, ensuring greater financial security and peace of mind.
Uniqueness has its advantages
I once met someone who owned a termite control company. Back then, he only had two or three trucks and was just getting started; But today, I see them everywhere. He must have at least ten, now. Termite control isn’t a sexy profession. No kid says they want to be the Orkin Man when they grow up. However, termite and pest control are in-demand services and virtually recession-proof. Owning a termite control company or simply being an expert in that field could be fairly stable and lucrative.
Let’s face it: following the crowd only leads you to fierce competition. Instead, why not carve your own path and choose a less crowded field? It’s not only smarter, but it’s also a surefire way to achieve your goals with less resistance.
Remember, life isn’t about racing to some imaginary finish line. It’s about efficiently handling your responsibilities so you can truly savor what matters most: unleashing your creativity, cherishing time with friends, nurturing family bonds, and simply enjoying yourself.
By taking this approach, you’ll not only stand out from the pack but also find greater fulfillment and success. Isn’t it time you broke away from the herd and embraced a more rewarding journey?
Health
Let’s be real here – when you’re young you feel indestructible. You have a super-charged metabolism and look great despite not exercising, eating like crap, and partying like it’s 1999. But, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: if you’re boozing, doing drugs, smoking, popping pills, or constantly eating unhealthy without paying attention to the side effects, you’re messing with your body. Plain and simple. Everything you put in your system is either helping or hurting you. There’s no middle ground. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not preaching. But facts are facts – your body needs the basics: exercise, a balanced diet with meat, veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, and good sleep. That’s just how we’re built.
Ignore these essentials at your own risk, young buck… Your lifestyle will catch up with you at some point.
Beauty uplifts us
I don’t know about you, but little things in life can make or break my mood. For instance, I once spent an entire month cleaning and minimally redecorating my home. When I finished, I wasn’t only more confident, but I also noticed a nice increase in my overall mood. It was subtle yet very consistent. Coming home to and waking up in a spotless house with a few cool, minor upgrades gave me a small emotional boost for two years.
Our innate appreciation for beauty is undeniable. It’s not just about surface-level aesthetics; it’s a profound connection that resonates with our very essence. Think about it – whether it’s an enchanting person, a breathtaking sunset, the raw power of a stormy ocean, or the ethereal charm of a foggy dawn, beauty captivates us all.
There’s no escaping the instant mood boost we experience when immersed in beautiful surroundings. That’s precisely why it’s crucial to invest time and effort in creating a visually appealing home and environment. By doing so, you’re not just improving your living space; you’re actively enhancing your daily life experience.
Don’t underestimate the power of beauty – it’s a transformative force that can significantly impact your overall well-being and happiness. So, why settle for less when you can surround yourself with beauty and reap its numerous benefits?
Don’t be taken advantage of by family and friends
Listen up: You need to set clear boundaries, even with family and friends. Yes, they will bully you just as quickly and easily as anyone else.
Giving and taking must be balanced, period. When people start draining you, it’s time to take action.
Don’t hesitate to distance yourself or firmly say no. Your well-being is non-negotiable, and you have every right to protect it. Remember, you’re in control of your relationships, and it’s your responsibility to maintain healthy ones. Stand your ground and don’t let anyone take advantage of you.
Hypocrites
Let’s be real here – a lot of folks are total hypocrites when it comes to ethics and morality. They’ll preach all day about how everyone else should behave, but when it comes to their own actions? Forget about it. They’ll break those same rules without batting an eye. So don’t be fooled just because someone’s telling you to do something – chances are, they’re not holding themselves to the same standard. It’s a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.”
In closing…
“All of this can be taught to the young, but it seldom is. I wonder why,” Terra wrote in conclusion.
Here’s the full list, in her words, of what she’s learned at 72. I can’t say I agree with everything but I do agree with most. (And I’m also still a few decades from 72).
