The one piece of advice I’d give my younger self
If you could revisit your 21-year-old self and give them one piece of advice, what would it be? That’s the question we posed to you a couple of months ago, and here are some of our favourite responses.
1. Don’t settle
“Think very carefully before you marry. Some have made great choices others have suffered at the hands of control freaks and domestic violence.” – Helen Parker Densley.
2. Appreciate your parents
“Love and appreciate your parents. Don't be impatient or disrespectful as no one will ever love you as much as them, they will put up with so much more than anyone else. I miss my parents and I really hope there is an afterlife as I owe them some apologies and I really just want to give them a hug.” – Jan Shepherd.
3. Live life with no regrets
“There really is no point going back. Live your life with no regrets, because what's done is done and nothing will ever change that.” – Karl Kunkel.
4. Focus on what’s important
“Probably buy a house… but then again, I've had a good life, can’t complain. Still alive, seeing the sun rise and sun set, that is all that really matters. And that my family are well.” – Martin Smith.
5. Listen to your heart
“At 21, I should have admitted that I'd made a mistake and refused pride and pressure from my family and their concerns about what friends and neighbours would say if I left my marriage for my soul mate. So, my advice is to never be influenced by others. Follow your heart! Love comes in many forms and each is special. However, soul mates are a special addition to love – the person you will hold dear and remember until the day you die.” – Katrina Roberts-Podporin.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
“Don't stress and lose sleep over things out of your control. Just be there to help if needed, but you can't stop someone from doing what they have their mind set on. I would have slept a whole lot more in my life if I could have just done this.” – Lynne McGuirk Webster.
7. Enjoy your youth
“Rethink marriage at this age – why do it? Travel, meet more people and give relationships time to get past honeymoon stage and family introductions etc. before deciding.” – Maree Parker.
8. Don’t try to change others
“If people don’t like you, don't try and change them. It doesn't work. They will only end up using you. Be yourself and you will find the right people to call friends.” – Wendy Pate.