Fred, you and I met a month and a half after I turned 24 and immediately after I decided to become a stay at home mom. I abandoned any ambition for myself to be available for my family. I had time to devote to church. I wanted to do right by everyone. I know I thrived, but I also grieve because I know now that I didn't just abandon a career. I abandoned myself. So, opposite for me. Suppressed the ego in favor of being what everyone wanted me to be. Boo.
These lessons we learn about ourselves are always the fruit of the courageous journey of reviewing and seeking to understand ourselves and our choices...especially in those formative decision making years in our 20s. So, bravo to you for willing to do some of that inventory.
I have, and everyone does I'd imagine if they are willing to really examine, lots of regrets about directions I took in those years, and in the subsequent years for that matter. I am convinced that part of my healing journey is to see all of those as somehow 'belonging' and never wasted by the Divine in my life. (Richard Rohr book rec: Everything Belongs).
1. Don't lose touch with high school and college friends- it'll be harder to build those connections back later if you want them. And you'll want them.
2. Slow down.
3. Give yourself permission to be who you are-- an introvert who's socially outgoing.
Fred, you and I met a month and a half after I turned 24 and immediately after I decided to become a stay at home mom. I abandoned any ambition for myself to be available for my family. I had time to devote to church. I wanted to do right by everyone. I know I thrived, but I also grieve because I know now that I didn't just abandon a career. I abandoned myself. So, opposite for me. Suppressed the ego in favor of being what everyone wanted me to be. Boo.
These lessons we learn about ourselves are always the fruit of the courageous journey of reviewing and seeking to understand ourselves and our choices...especially in those formative decision making years in our 20s. So, bravo to you for willing to do some of that inventory.
I have, and everyone does I'd imagine if they are willing to really examine, lots of regrets about directions I took in those years, and in the subsequent years for that matter. I am convinced that part of my healing journey is to see all of those as somehow 'belonging' and never wasted by the Divine in my life. (Richard Rohr book rec: Everything Belongs).
Thank you for weighing in Gladys!
Thanks Fred. I’d say to my 24-year-old self—do not be afraid of failure.
What I'd say to my 24 year old self
1. Don't lose touch with high school and college friends- it'll be harder to build those connections back later if you want them. And you'll want them.
2. Slow down.
3. Give yourself permission to be who you are-- an introvert who's socially outgoing.
4. Sunscreen. Of course. 🙂
For all it's weaknesses... Facebook helped me reconnect with High School friends, and a few from college as well.
Same here.
Oh that’s a good one.
Marlyn, I love that.