A piece of advice from me to younger me

by Guest blogger

by Syd Brinkman

New Year’s Day and the resolutions that it generates have come and gone. My birthday is fast approaching. I’m looking at my life—the past events and moments to come. As I was reading a fashion magazine a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a brief yet poignant question “What advice would you give your younger self?”

What advice would I give my younger self? I’m not always a reflective person, but this question seemed to draw me in. For sport, I researched the question and it seems other publications have also asked the same question. For example, here, here, and here.

Some responses dealt with letting go of expectations, how to receive compliments, knowing one’s worth, thinking and acting on passions, finances, grace (that one surprised me), education, and eating habits.

Two words highlighted the insights that came to my mind: Pay attention!

Pay attention to everything around you and within you, pay attention to the people in your life and what they bring to your moments, pay attention to the voice within (listen!), pay attention to God’s amazing nature and how it affects your life and the lives of others. I caught a theme here.

Look at your life. Think about the life lessons you’ve experienced. Would you dwell in those life lessons and move on or remain stuck in them? In the days ahead I hope you move forward into the advice you’d give your younger self.

Syd Brinkman of Allison, Iowa, served two terms on the churchwide executive board. This Throwback Thursday blog first ran in February 2014.