Lessons for a Time Capsule

It’s said that a wise person learns from his mistakes. A wiser one learns from others’ mistakes. But the wisest person of all learns from others’ successes. ― John C. Maxwell, Leadership Gold: Lessons I’ve Learned from a Lifetime of Leading

My brother-in-law and his wife decided to bury a time capsule for our soon to be 10-year-old niece to be opened on her 18th birthday.  As I sat to write her a message, I pondered on what I would tell myself at that age. Have you ever wondered about that? The smiles, mistakes, and tears I’ve lived have shaped me into the determined, not giving up woman that I am today. But as grateful as I am of all those experiences, I believe in sharing wisdom learned and allow others to be the wisest.  These thoughts are a great reminder to myself of what I’ve learned and overcome and all that I still need to grow and learn.

Here are 10 things I shared with her future self and to all that at some point or another will read this post. Yes, I would like to think of this post as a time capsule itself. Since I love to read and to remember quotes as a way of remembering important things from my reading, here are some quotes:

1. Don’t be afraid of failure. Be afraid of never achieving at all because you were too afraid of what others might think of you for trying. -Rachel Hollis Girl, Stop Apologizing

There will be times in your life when staying in the safety zone might be the right choice but NEVER be afraid of jumping in once you are ready. Every stage in life has its purpose and the important thing is to look for the lesson that life is trying to teach you. Be your unique and special self and be brave to follow your dreams.  Find out what makes you happy, really happy and use your talents to follow that path. This applies when dating too. Be afraid of not trying, never of failing.

2. The financial decisions you make now will impact the rest of your life. -Chris Hogan

There is a Chinese proverb that says that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is NOW.  There is no time like the present to think about your future. Save and start investing. The younger the better. During a race, the finish line usually looks so far that you think you’ll never get there but the truth is that even the turtle made it to the finish line. And that’s the approach you should take. Slow and steady wins the race. It might be tempting to try to avoid missing out or to try to live your life in the present and spend your money and even get into debt. But trust me when I say you can enjoy life and save. It will be rewarding. And while we are at it, you DO NOT need the latest model car EVER, unless you can pay cash. Live your life today keeping in mind your tomorrow.

3. It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. -Mahatma Gandhi

Beware of what fuel you put in your body. We are what we eat. The junk food that you “enjoy” today will shorten your life.  Your joint will suffer, your heart will weaken, your mind will forget what a wonderful and perfect person you are. It’s as simple as that. Eat daily portions of fruit and vegetable and hydrate with water constantly.  Exercise goes along with the high-quality fuel you ingest. After all, you could pay for the most expensive and fancy fuel for your car but if you never move it’ll eventually die. The same applies to your body. Move your body purposely every day and it will give you even more energy to achieve anything you intend to achieve!

4. If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book. J.K. Rowling

Read. Read. Read some more. Books are a fountain of knowledge that fuels your soul, mind, and spirit. Always make reading a priority in your life. I am always telling the girls that “Some say knowledge is power. Others, APPLIED Knowledge is power. I say- Applied knowledge-EMPOWERS!”

5. Solitude Deprivation – A state in which you spend close to zero time alone with your own thoughts and free from input from other minds. ― Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World

As technology grows, you must find time for yourself. Respect also the time with others. Be present with all your senses enjoying that moment. This allows true relationships to exist and grow.  Pray, meditate and let your mind rest. Create memories while living them. Those precious moments will be embedded in your brain and soul forever.

6. The achievement of one goal is the beginning of a new one. -unknown

I am not certain where I read or heard this, but it is so true. Do not settle with your achievements. Enjoy, celebrate and continue to grow and improve. Always have goals, write them down, read them often, they will keep you going.

7. All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother. – Abraham Lincoln

With all our faults and imperfections, we do our best to give our children the tools to help them grow into the best version of themselves. As many books as there are about parenthood, none are an exact science. We learn by doing. Appreciate the sacrifices, the mistakes, and memories as part of who you are.  Spend time with family and never forget where you came from. There is wisdom gained by the experiences lived throughout the years. Don’t take that for granted.

8.        The vote is a power, a weapon of offense and defense, a prayer. Understand what it means and what it can do for your country. Use it intelligently, conscientiously, prayerfully. – Carrie Chapman Catt

In our democracy, it is important to vote. Even if we are not completely satisfied with the choices. It is our way to express our voice and honor so many men and for us-women that sacrificed and fought so hard to provide us that opportunity that in many other countries many desire.

9. Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. -Dr. Martin Luther King

Regardless of what church you decide to attend or faith, you decide to follow, search for spiritual growth in your life. Be light. Seek and give love.

10. You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.  – Maya Angelou

Enjoy a life well lived. Create memories with the ones around you knowing that some may come and go but appreciate the memories and focus on the future. Embrace everything life offers and enjoy it! Life is a wonderful gift.