If you could send a 300 character message to your ten year old self, what would it be?

Question

I'm not talking about divulging who won the next 20 superbowls, or what stock to buy. I'm talking about things you know now that you wish you knew then.

I'd say be bold and don't be afraid of the things you fear now, because they will become completely trivial. I would say to worry less about doing what everyone says is "right" and concentrate on becoming great at the thing you enjoy most, and I would say to always follow your gut instincts.

Great answers - thanks for listing "stock tips" folks :-(

It's interesting how many of us were shaped by fitting (or not fitting) in, and how we've all learned how unimportant it really was.

I see a lot of people say "have more fun", "don't be afraid." so these things are telling us something now.

Give this advice to young people you know, and also give it to yourself. You've never to old to be courageous and bold.

Answer 1

Don't try to fit into any group--you're not gonna. Concentrate on individuals instead, and just try to take care of yourself. Eat good food in reasonable amounts--not lots of junk, and not starvation dieting or SlimFast. Your problem with math is called "dyscalculia"--you ain't stupid. There really are people who worship lots of Gods in modern times! They're called Pagans, and you should look them up as soon as possible. Don't bother with the church. Oh, and there are other people who like both male and female, too. Those are called bisexuals, and that's okay, too. Most of all, *you're* okay.

Answer 2

Excellent question and one I've pondered before.

I'd probably tell myself to take more chances in life, especially with the opposite sex, to not be so shy. That there are worse things then being rejected, but the payoff is worth it.

And not sure if I'd want to burden a 10 year old with this, but somehow let him know that he should spend more time with people whose lives might be cut short. Maybe write him a letter to open when he was 20 giving him a list of those he should spend extra time with. I don't know.

That said, I'm not sure if any of the advice we are giving our earlier selves would be as effective as we'd like to think. As Confucius said: "the only source of knowledge is experience." I don't think this can be relayed to another individual - which is what your earlier self really is. The problem with life is we must make and learn from our OWN mistakes.

"Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others?"
— Voltaire

"We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom."
— Michel Montaigne (Essayist, 1533-1592)

"Good judgment comes from experience, and experience . . . well that comes from poor judgment."
— Rita Mae Brown

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
—Confucius

Answer 3

Don't give up on life. Things will get better. Don't stop going to school. Your mother is mentally ill, it's not normal for a person to change that much in a few minuets. Your dad stays with her because he loves her. Drugs aren't the answer. Your true friends love you for who you are not what you can give them. Never lose track of Laura your friendship might save her life. Tell your Grandmother that aunt Edna is having chest pains. Leave your husband as soon as you find out you are going to have a second child. Don't ever have any pets as long as you are with your husband. Never give up hope!

Answer 4

Pay more attention in school; get better grades (don't worry if the kids make fun of you or if you don't fit in, you'll have the last laugh) ; the world won't end by the time you're 25 so it's your own fault if you're stuck in a job you hate.

Answer 5

I'd say:

Although life seems confusing now, just keep searching for God until you find Him. He sent us a beautiful message called the Quran, and if you follow it, you will live a happy and peaceful life. Everything that God asks us to do is for our own benefit, and everything He tells us to avoid can bring us harm. Realize that everything that happens in life, happens for a reason. And all our tragedies and truimphs teach us things, if we let them.

Thanks for the very beautiful question. It puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Answer 6

I would say:
You're not going to get much taller, don't eat so many fats, don't be afraid of getting hurt, accept that people are who and what they are, be daring, speak your mind, take risks when there's something worthwhile to gain, don't grow up in a hurry, have fun, and, lastly, (I'm going to steal from you) follow your gut!

Here2Help: It's not too late, you know it now.

Answer 7

you have way more potential than any one lets you know. in just a few years you are going to be pretty and smart. you can fit into any social group you choose so study hard and get involved in sports. even if you can't go on road trips your parents will give in later. and when someone offers you drugs. don't ever try. love yourself even if no one else does.

Answer 8

Follow your Dreram! Get Saved! And Buy Xerox, IBM Yahoo, AOL and Google stocks.

Answer 9

I'd say" Hey,stupid ,they skipped you a grade,now finish school and finish college!"(I did not)..."also when you meet that Red-head at the bar when you are 22,go the other way! Those penicillin shots hurt!"

Answer 10

Whatever I would say would be futile because my 10 year old self would not listen to me. She wants to makes her own mistakes and find out things for herself. And good for her!

BUT she would be doing cartwheels, understanding that time travel is possible!