What I would do differently next time around...

I am a firm believer in living with no regrets. I don't really feel like anything in my life that has happened should be taken back or done-over, because it has lead me to where I am today (who I am, who I am with, what I have; and so on, and so forth). However, having said that, if reincarnation is actually a thing (and I kind of hope it is), and if I get to take these experiences with me in my subconscious for the next ride, I would give my "new" self some advice.






- Don't stress over the small stuff. If it won't be important in a week, it's not worth losing sleep over now.






- A simple "I'm sorry" fixes most problems. Have a fight with your BFF and say some things you probably shouldn't have? Suck it up and apologize. We all have moments where we act like the least desirable versions of ourselves, and as your BFF they understand that (because they also have those moments) and an "I'm sorry" should patch it all up! Have a fight with your BF/Husband/Partner? Usually it's a misunderstanding, a breakdown of communications: Say I'm sorry or explain things better so they understand...






- Never shut down the lines of communication. Be the person everyone can always talk to. Being an open and honest person ensures that you never have to remember a lie, or back-track. Life is stressful when you HAVE to "remember" things.






- Pay attention to the little things. A little token/gift that would put a smile on someone's face because you remembered that passing comment they made about it. A compliment on a feature you know someone is struggling to accept about themselves. A reassurance that they will do great in an interview or test they told you about weeks before--it feels good to make people feel good; do it more often.




- For every good deed that is done for you, pass two along. The world is so focused on consumption and materialism, we forget that each other person is a PERSON. They are not a measuring stick against your life. Everyone desires human interaction, kindness, and the innate ability to make other people feel good--it's in our blood. So do it. And pass it along..because without this kindness, there is truly no hope for the future.




-Learn everything you can while it's at your fingertips. Travelling, reading, lectures, unforeseen opportunities. Take from every experience every ounce of knowledge you can acquire. Less time focussing on taking "selfies" in front of the Eiffel Tower, and more time seizing the chance to learn about the Eiffel Tower first kind of thing.




- Don't be scared of so many things--Fear of things outside of your span of control is a waste. Scared to fly? Suck it up--you will miss way too many beautiful things in the world if you worry about all of the "what-ifs". Scared of natural disasters? Obviously, they are scary things, but no amount of fear of Tsunamis, Hurricanes, Tornadoes or floods will stop them from happening--be proactive and be prepared instead (it will make you feel a little better if you have a plan). Scared of death? Well, it's inevitable--put it to the back of your mind before you've lived your life and are laying in your death bed. Scared of pregnancy/child birth? The pain will pass, and you will be left with the most precious gift--the true meaning behind life. #nopainnogain




- Explore new foods, new experiences..life has a way of getting boring. Humans are creatures of habit. Break through that. Be exciting, spontaneous, adventurous and optimistic.






I try to live my life this way already, but sometimes my own fears hold me back. I want my future self to not be scared to tell people I love them, to embrace "I'm sorry", and never turn down an adventure because of things weighing me down at home (getting up for work, etc--you can survive a day being tired, but you can never get that memory back).