My life advice for the young
As I age, the more I find myself wondering, where has the time gone? When you’re young, it feels like time moves slowly, but that changes at some point.
I didn’t start to realize how precious my childhood moments were until they became distant memories. As Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell sings, ‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.’
As I approached turning 40, I’ve reflected a lot about my life so far. I’ve spent time thinking about who I am, who I want to be, and what I’d like to teach my 8-year-old nephew. So, in honour of my 40th birthday, I want to share 10 pieces of life advice for the young.
Have the strength of character to stand up for anyone being bullied or mistreated. Don’t be friends with people who aren’t kind to others.
Spend less money and save more. It can be tempting to do the opposite, but having financial stability throughout life, especially as you age, can give you freedom in many ways—from debt to retiring early and freedom to travel.
When it comes to school, carve out time in your evenings to do homework and study. By doing so, you’ll feel much more prepared for tests and exams and avoid having to pull an all-nighter.
Travel the world, especially while you’re young! Travelling can bring so much happiness and joy to your life and help shape your worldview. The world offers much to see and do, incredible food to try, and people to meet.
Don’t smoke, and if you do smoke, do everything you can to quit! Smoking is so harmful to your health and those around you.
Choose a career you will love and enjoy! You’ll spend much of your life working, so doing something you’re passionate about is essential. It can make a life-changing difference in your overall health. As American writer Mark Twain once said, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’
Aim to live a minimalist life. Buying less is not only good for your pocket, but it’s also better for the environment. Before you purchase something, ask yourself: Is this a want or a need? I’ve realized that I want a life filled with experiences, like travelling, over a life filled with material things.
Don’t believe everything you read or hear. The world has changed drastically in the last 20 years because of the internet, social media, and smartphones. Information is shared rapidly, and that has created chaos in many ways. So, before you repeat or share something, especially if it is potentially harmful, always fact-check.
Support and help your community in any way that you can! Your active participation is crucial, whether donating to your local food bank, volunteering for an organization, or attending a rally for an important cause.
Brush and floss your teeth every day. Doing both only takes a few minutes of your time, and it can help you avoid dental problems like gingivitis, cavities, and tooth infections (excruciating). You only get one set of teeth, and they need to last you a long time, so take care of them!