I saw an article with a similar headline (10 things I would tell myself when I graduated) recently and realized that what the author and I have different lessons in life. The author focused on items that led to financial and professional success and as I read it, I realized this was not my focus. So I started writing my own list and decided to share it with you:
What I would tell myself when I graduated:
1) Be true to yourself, your core values, and beliefs. Remember to follow your passions and do what excites you and gives you meaning. If the little voice in your head tells you you’re on the wrong path, listen and change course.
2) Focus on spending time with others. Develop and nurture your relationships with friends and people who are important in your life. Make it a priority to celebrate in the happiness of others (birthdays, weddings, graduations) and partake in sadness too (funerals). People always remember these important moments in their lives and will appreciate you.
3) Travel. Explore the nearby places and also the far away ones. Create the opportunity to travel. You will never be the same after a long trip. It’s the best money spent.
4) Gift experiences. Experiences make people happier in the long run compared with material things. Gift experiences to others and to yourself.
5) Be grateful. Appreciate your body, your mind, your health, each breath that you take, and each beat of your heart. Be thankful for yourself and for others and look for beauty in your life each day.
6) Forgive your parents. They did the best they could for you with good intentions. There’s no perfect recipe in parenting, and it’s a learn as you go process. Parents sacrifice a lot for their children, especially in the first 3 years of the child’s life and we have no memories of that period.
7) Dance. Shake your body to music that makes you move. And really get into it and feel the movements of your body.
8) Nap. Lie down and close your eyes. Meditate if you can’t fall asleep. Rest your brain and your soul.
9) Say yes. Try things outside your comfort zone: new foods, new experiences, new people. You never know if that something new becomes your favorite.
10) Exercise. Pick your favorite sport and go for it. Or run if you don’t like team sports. Appreciate the blood pumping in your arteries and the strength of your muscles. Take advantage of your body’s potential.