I’m 43 – Here’s What I Wish I’d Known at 23
We often wonder what life would be like if we had known certain things sooner. But the truth is, everything you’ve experienced has shaped you perfectly into who you are today. Instead of dwelling on the past, this post explores how to use your experiences to create the future you truly want.
First of all, sorry for the attention grabbing title. I dislike these sorts of titles since they are not at all informative. They are just fighting for your attention.
However,
This whole story started with my dislike of this type of title, so it’s there for a reason.
Let’s say it’s used ironically 😅
Furthermore, even though the title suggests this is about me, it’s really about you.
It’ll become obvious once you read this blog post.
The story goes: After checking out many posts with titles “I’m X years old – what I wish I knew at Y years old”, I concluded that it’s mostly very general advice packaged under a curiosity inducing title.
- I wish I invested money
- I wish I ate a healthy diet
- I wish I lifted weights at the gym
Anyone could come up with that advice as they age.
But that’s just the point I’m going to make. With age comes experience that you can utilise to live your life to the fullest from this point on.
Key Takeaways
- Your past wasn’t a mistake. Every experience, good or bad, has shaped who you are today. Instead of regretting what you should have known earlier, recognize that everything unfolded perfectly to bring you to this moment.
- Wisdom isn’t about knowing the right things at the right time. True wisdom comes from living, not just learning. You don’t need to have had everything figured out in your 20s—what matters is how you apply your experiences now.
- Your future is yours to shape. The past doesn’t define you, but it can guide you. Instead of looking back with regret, use what you’ve learned to move forward with intention and create the life you truly want.
Why I Wouldn’t Give My Younger Self Advice (Even If I Could)
I just turned 43, and even though the title suggests so, I’m not going to make a list of things that I wish I knew when I was 23.
Nope.
Not going to happen.
Why?
Because my 23 year old self would have laughed in my face if I told him what his life was going to be like in 20 years.
If I met my 23 year old self to give him advice, he would call me a loser who’s lost his way.
He’d call me names and laugh out loud in disbelief (yeah, I was kind of an arrogant a**hole at the time)
Even if I knew back then the things I know now, I probably would not have done anything differently. I was content with my life and my beliefs.
And that’s the most important thing of all: Living your life to the fullest
Even if I could tell my younger self the things I know now, I wouldn’t want to change anything.
Because everything that has happened in my life has happened perfectly to make me who I am today.
I am happy, free of anxiety and depression.
I can live my life without fearing the future and with mindfulness able to enjoy the mundane everyday moments.
What more could one want?
Look to the future instead of the past
The moral of the story, then, is that rather than seeking advice on how you should have lived your life, you should instead look to the experiences you’ve had for guidance.
It’s pointless to make lists of should’s and shouldn’t’s.
You’ve lived your life perfectly to become who you are today. Your life is filled with deep knowledge that you can apply from this day forward to become who you wish to be.
Instead of figuring out what you should have known 20 years ago to be today the person you’ve always dreamed of being, you can look to your past experiences and start becoming the best version of yourself from this day forward.
Look into the future instead of the past. Use your past experiences to guide you on your way, but don’t let the past define you.
This quote by Neale Donald Walsch, my favorite spiritual teacher, sums it up beautifully:
“What you have done is unimportant compared to what you are about to do. How you have erred is insignificant compared to how you are about to create. “
Conclusion: Your Life Is Unfolding Perfectly
The title “things I wish I knew at age X” suggests there were things we should have known when we were younger. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter that we didn’t.
What matters is that we know them now.
Life isn’t about regretting what you didn’t know back then.
Life is about taking what you do know now and using it to create the future you want.
Your past isn’t a series of mishaps and bad choices. it’s precious experience. And your future is yours to shape as you see fit.
As Neale Donald Walsch said:
“What you have done is unimportant compared to what you are about to do.”
So instead of looking back with regret, look forward with intention.
Forget about lists and frameworks and quick hacks.
Trust your experience, enjoy every moment, and look into the future with joy.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this blog are based upon the opinions of the author. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care professional before trying any of the products or methods based on this content. I cannot guarantee that you will be free of stress, anxiety or depression, or that you will be happy. I simply want to share with you what I have discovered during my twenty years of seeking happiness and what has worked for me may not work for you.
