Thread by @madan_kumar

13 things i would say to my 20 year old self -->

I turned 40 this month and yes, I can tell you that it is just a number. But it feels weird though. As if I have crossed a line in the sand. Back when I was a kid, this age seemed prehistoric.

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Now that I’m here, it doesn’t feel so bad. In fact, I feel about the same as I did in college. Time is relative, right?

After I became active in social media (many argue that I am not active at all – it is a subjective term 😉), I happened to meet so many young folks

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I see that they have fewer bumps and bruises from life’s curve balls. They are figuring out their likes & dislikes. What to do next and how to do it - as if they have all the time in the world 😊

Well, it goes by quick. Don’t dawdle too long.

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Here are the 13 things ..

1. If you are not sure about what to do next with your life, do the thing that terrifies/scares you the most.

2. That thing that’s keeping you up all night filled with worry? You are not even going to remember what it was at this age.

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Even if it seems like the biggest, most fearful/shameful thing you can imagine. It’s just experience. 99% of the bad things(purportedly ‘bad’) that happen in your life right now will not matter at all after 5 years

You would laugh at yourself that you worried so much for it

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3. You need to commit mistakes - Birds don't just fly from day one. They fall down & get up. Nobody learns without getting it wrong

Trying to only do/say things that make you look good/smart will be the single biggest obstacle to growth & the greatest limiter in your life😊

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4. It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than approval. Don’t waste a breath trying to justify your “why” to anyone. Just start.

5. If you have your health right, you have 10000 dreams. If you lose your health, you have only 1 dream.

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6. When you hold a hatred(grudge) towards someone, they own you. Forgiveness is for you, not for them. Cut the chains that bind you 😃

7. It is the little things now that become the big things in your memory later. Cherish every moment...

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It is a guarantee that one day your kid will not want to hold your hand while crossing the street.

8. Forgive yourself & all your mistakes/stupid decisions. Take a deep breath & make today the 1st day of your new life.

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It is a great idea to tear up the to-do list occasionally and start afresh 😃

9. If you think the world is out to get you, you are 100% right. And if you think the universe is rigged in your favor, you’re 100% right. Pick one and pick it wisely 😊

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10. Just keep going, without judging others or fearing their judgment in return.

Everybody is fighting their own demons & nobody has time to look into your demons. Even if they do, it does not matter to your progress. Just keep going.

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11. When you are young, the road to opportunity starts with saying yes.

When we grow old, the road to freedom starts with saying no. 😃

This might not make a lot of sense to you right now but it will, eventually

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12. Tell your friends & family that you love them. Even if you feel it strongly, it’ll only be real for them if you tell them. Silence is not golden here 😊

Never hesitate to express your feelings of love. Millions of folks assume that the other person knows. They don’t.

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13. Always do your best - your best might change from time to time but strive for 'YOUR' best. This will enable you to avoid regret and self-judgement.

Thanks all for reading and have a great day ahead !!

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