One of my favorite movies of the time-travel genre is “Peggy Sue Got Married.”  The poignancy of this movie always strikes a chord in my heart as I watch Kathleen Turner’s character goes back in time and struggle with the gift of “If I only knew then what I know now…” 

While I know life isn’t meant to be lived through the reflection in a rear-view mirror, there are so many things I wish I could go back and whisper into the ear of my younger self, little nuggets of insight that would have helped soften the regrets.  A few on my mind …

Don’t be so hard on yourself.  You’ll discover that life will present enough opportunity in the way of people and experiences along the path to do it for you.  If you remember to be kind to yourself at all times, it will reward you with a greater sense of self-esteem and serve you as well as any education you may gain along the way.  Be loving and forgiving of your mistakes at an early age, and it will nurture the resilient spirit you’ll come to rely on as an adult.

Never fear change.  As you mature, you’ll come to realize that change is an essential pathway to growth, and the one constant life has to offer.  If the inevitability of change presents itself with a frightening face, hold steady and be open to the possibility that adversity often comes disguised as a great portal of opportunity, one that will shift you to a more contented stage of your life.  If you can teach yourself to embrace change with an unburdened heart and an expansive mind, it will become your friend.

Marry someone who enjoys holding your hand.  As a young adult, you’ll mistakenly think that choosing a partner is about finding someone you feel passionately about.   While it’s certainly a wonderful and necessary element to any romantic relationship, the true secret for finding a blissful partnership is to find someone who actually likes you.

With a magic marker, write two words on a piece of paper and put it in a place where it will always be visible:  FAITH and HOPE.

Don’t be afraid to let your light shine.  Life isn’t meant to be lived in the shadows.

Play more.  Fun is never overrated.