10 Things I Wish I Knew Then like I Know Now

Why is it that young people are so rebellious and in a hurry to grow up and get on with their lives. Childhood should be enjoyed, and as much as I hated being 15 years old, there were some benefits to being naive and trusting.

1. Trust your instincts.

It seems that every time I followed my instincts, life turned out well. When I ignored that screaming voice in my head, I messed up, big time!

2. Focus on Your Dream

My dream was to be a writer. I let many opportunities pass me by that could have turned that dream into a reality. Instead, I chose the safe path and am just now checking out the opportunities that come my way.

3. Invest in Microsoft

I doubt many people would miss that opportunity if it was presented to them with the foresight of knowledge.

4. Don't hurry to Grow Up

You are only young once. Instead of fighting to get out of the small town I was raised in as quickly as possible, I should have embraced the time there. I returned to that same home town by the time I was 20 and cannot think of another place I would care to call home.

5. Do not mix business and family

I have always let my heart lead me and the bonds of family have led me to some tight places. One truth I have learned is that you can trust a stranger more than you can trust a family member when it comes to business matters.

6. Avoid Cigarettes

As a rebellious teen, I started smoking. I still have yet to quit. I will say that I was fortunate enough to never be a drinker or to use drugs, unless you count caffeine.

7. Avoid Debt, Pay with cash

If anyone has bills to pay, I am sure they understand that one.

8. Make peace with your past to bless the future.

Everyone has events in their past that can color their future. You must remember learn from your past, but to forgive and move on. This is a lesson I learned later in life, and it is so true. Your life can focus on the past and all of the bad things that happened, or it can focus on the future. You make the choice.

9. Take dancing lessons:

I have never learned how to dance and it is one thing I think I would have enjoyed. Somehow, neither my ex-husband nor my husband of today was dancers, so it is something I missed out on.

10. You will have no regrets.

I am thankful that the 15 year old girl who grew into the woman I am today has no regrets about her life. I am proud of the person I have become. That naive young girl who trusted the wrong people and was in a hurry to grow up became the confidant woman I am today. I wish I could tell my younger self to live.