There comes a point in your life that you kick yourself and say that I wish I knew about this five or 10 years before. It begs the question would you be any different. Fiction and movies are full of stories of alternate timelines created by changing a decision based on things that you now know. Anyway on to the list!

So let's hop in our Delorean and Go Back to the Future!

1. Don’t read using a flashlight!

Source

First stop is my 7- year-old self in his dark room reading a book using a flashlight. 8:00 PM is lights out in this house and yet he tries to sneak in another chapter. This goes on and on until he realizes that things are getting blurry and at 11 years-old he gets fitted with his first Coca-Cola bottom glasses.

Although present-day fool still sometimes read with inadequate lighting because he is too lazy to get up, So he deserves to get his head smacked too.

2. You are not invincible!

This is to the 16-year-old football player who had aspirations to score that game-winning kick. When you are young, foolish and love the game you tend to be reckless and think of yourself as you'll heal and mend just like always. Don't go after defenders twice your size. Play your heart out and but be careful.

Your knee will thank you for it as it will no longer feel pain when it gets cold.

3. Objectivism and Ayn Rand

Source

This is to the 18-year-old student shouting at one of the people rallying against the government calling him a socialist/communist who needs to get a job and stop being a drain on the economy.

Stop being a self-righteous jerk who spouts John Galt lines like “I started my life with a single absolute: that the world was mine to shape in the image of my highest values and never to be given up to a lesser standard, no matter how long or hard the struggle.”

Objectivism will make you lose your humanity.

4. Failure is just the universe trying to tell you to try a different way

Source

This is to the 20-year-old newbie who just started working. Don't be afraid to fail. You are too cautious that it often stops you from voicing out a good plan. You may just be starting now but you have worth.

You don't want to be heard because you are avoiding to be blamed if things go wrong. Often your ideas are spot on. Believe in yourself.

5. Choose happiness and love over work

Source

To the 22-year-old supervisor still in the office after everyone has left for the day. So you made it and in power. Are you even happy slaving away 14-16 hours a day, neglecting people that you love and your health?

You have eyebags have their own eyebags. Your stressed and always cranky. There is more to life than just work.

6. Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm!

Source

Ok so I copied this from @lymepoet but I was really struck by the message of this.

To the 25-year-old self who is still a workaholic who sacrifices his weekends and even pays out of his own pocket to support engagement activities because the company is too cheap to fund it. I know you love your job and bringing happiness to people but you are giving everything you got that nothing is going to be left.

Save some of yourself and don't feel bad if it doesn't pan out at times.

7. Be careful of wolves wearing sheep’s clothing

Source

To the same 25-year-old self be careful of wolves in sheep's clothing as I know you believe in the good of people and want to give them a lot of chances but you will be taken advantage of, used and thrown under the bus.

You will think it is unfair but that is life... that is corporate life. So be careful.

8. Don’t have relationships with subordinates

Source

Okay, genius anyone could have told you that hooking up with someone that you work with is a dumb idea. No matter how sweet she is. Doesn't matter that she cooks well and gives you cakes and sweets because she knows you have a sweet tooth.

More so when it is a subordinate! Doesn't matter that she is on a different team but it's so wrong! Especially with your track record on women. Just don't do it!

I know its easier because you hang out, have the same circles and it doesn't hurt that she is really pretty. Don't be a fragile man!

9. Dogecoins So Wow

Source

So this is to nerd sitting in front of the PC writing his latest fan fiction on The Wheel of Time Reddit Community. Oh, you loved that comment you are sending him some Dogecoins for it. Ohh a troll get ready to slap him with some Doge.

Keep that coin and HODL! You ask what HODL is? Hold On for Dear Life stupid!

10. It is Okay not to be okay

Source

To the person last year its okay to say that you are not okay. It is okay to be hurt and vulnerable. People will understand. You don't need to feign strength and smile that all is well when all you want to do is break down and cry.

Talk to someone aside from your shrink. Share your pain. Don't think that you can't show it because you need to be the strong foundation that everyone depends on.

You are human and can be allowed to show you are hurt. Most of all you will eventually get better so don't give up and think dark thoughts.

You will become a community builder. You will change the lives of many people. You will motivate and engage them to become better versions of themselves. Know that you are not alone.