What I wish I could tell my younger self

Growing up, I was kind of a little shithead. So much so that when I returned home from school after my freshman year of college, my parents had a cake waiting for me that said “Welcome home Shithead.” Yeah, I am not kidding either… But without my old childish ways, I would not have grown into the person that I am today. If I could could back in time, I would sit that younger “shithead” version of me down, and give him some advice. Here are some things I wish I could tell my younger self.

1. Buck it up, Buttercup

I wish I could tell my younger self to buck it up. Ok, in all seriousness, I wouldn’t say that. I would sit myself down and just tell my younger self to live life the way you want to live it. And I don’t mean that in an arrogant way. I mean that as a way to live freely and to follow my dreams.

2. Surround yourself with positivity

I wish I would have started focusing on positivity and mindfulness at a younger age. Seriously, it is the foundation in which I live my life on now, and it has helped me to grow as an individual in more ways than I could have ever imagined.

3. Follow YOUR dreams

This is your life and your one opportunity to achieve your dreams. Don’t go following the dreams of other individuals. Dig deep, realize what truly matters to you in life, and work hard for your dreams.

4. Forget what others think of you

It may be hard right now, but as your older self, trust me. Once you quit caring what other people think of you, your life will be so much more meaningful, and you will have more fun living it.

5. Take care of your body and mind

Life is too short to be spent inside and playing video games all day long. Get outside and exercise not only your body, but also your mind. If you keep yourself locked away in your room for much longer, you are going to go somewhat crazy and you are going to forget the meaning of life.

6. Screw the diet

This actually should be in all caps because I would have screamed this at my younger self. SCREW THE DIET. There, that’s better. You need food to survive. What you are doing to yourself right now is only causing a harmful relationship with food, and a harmful relationship with your mind. Food is a necessity, not an enemy.

7. Size doesn’t matter

I get that you want to lose weight, but it is not worth it. You are beautiful just the way you are. While some might not agree, your opinion of yourself is a heck of a lot more important than the opinion of others.

8. Those around you should love and support you

Quit trying to fit in with a crowd that does not appreciate the person that you truly are. Surround yourself with those who are closest to you, and the ones that enjoy the person that you are. The negative people, well, they only cause problems, so remove them from your life.

9. Live in the moment and live for the memories

Whatever opportunity comes you way, take it. Don’t wonder why or wonder what might be, just take every opportunity that you have, and go.

10. You aren’t perfect

I know it might be hard to believe, but you are not perfect and you will never be. Quit trying to focus on perfection, and instead, focus on being the best person that you can possible be.

11. Money won’t buy you happiness

You skip going out with friends or buying things because you want to save. Saving is good, but treat yourself as well. No matter how much you have, money will not buy your happiness, so don’t let it control your life.

12. Keep your family close

Yes, the sometimes dysfunctional family that they are. Those are the people that are going to go to war for you, and who will be by your side during all of your battles. Be a better son, a better brother, and a better uncle.

13. Believe in yourself

Believe in your abilities, and believe in your dreams. The only thing that will ever stand in the way of you and achieving your dreams, is yourself. When you doubt, you will fear. When you believe, you will achieve. Believe in yourself, and never stop chasing your dreams.

14. Make a difference

Lastly, I wish I could tell my younger self to make a difference. You are going to have a unique story to tell in a few years. Live your best life each and every day, but also live to help others live their best life. Share your story sooner, be an advocate, and be there for others. You, Michael, are a one of a kind individual. Embrace your individuality, and make as much of a difference as you can.

These are some of the things I wish I could tell my younger self. The point is, life is too short to care about the judgement of others of to be so focused on being perfect. Being who you are as an individual is the greatest attribute that you have. Don’t focus on what others think of you, stay true to who you are, and follow your dreams.

Michael Bonnell

8/19/2018

 

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