If Only I’d Known!
What would you say to your 20-year-old self if given the chance? Starts at 60 asked its vibrant community on Facebook a question that gets to the heart of hindsight: “If you could go back and give one piece of wisdom to your younger self, what would it be?” As always, the responses were honest, sometimes funny, sometimes raw, and always deeply heartfelt.
“Stay Single, Buy Your Own Home”
Some advice, repeated like a mantra throughout the thread, was blunt: “Don’t get married!!!” came from Sue, with others echoing a similar theme. Christine encouraged, “Don’t marry. Stay single. Work hard and buy your own home that no one can take away from you.” Tobey simply stated, “Stay single,” while Sue got right to it: “Travel the world and stay single.” Jacqui, meanwhile, urged readers to “Seek God and seek His guidance and not yhe long way around in the desert of seeking good times that may land you in despair.”
“You Don’t Know As Much As You Think”
Others reflected on how much more they’d have listened – to themselves, their parents, or their gut instincts – if only they’d known better. Mari titled her advice: “You don’t know as much as you think you do. Respect your parents, they are the only ones who truly care what happens to you.” Diana echoed that wisdom, urging younger selves to “Listen to your mother.”
Lyn offered simple, empowering advice: “Don’t second guess yourself,” and Pat recommended: “Overcome your fears.” Confidence and courage threaded through Adrian’s words: “I would go back with the confidence and wisdom I have now.”
“Buy Apple Shares – and Watch Your Weight!”
Practical guidance was just as common as soul searching. There were financial tips from Chris (“Learn as much as you can about finances”), Sandra (“Buy Apple shares”), and Bruce, who suggested: “Get a job on the local council and get into the old state government super scheme.”
For Paul, career advice was clear – “Change jobs immediately.” For others, physical health shouldn’t be ignored: Dave warned, “Watch your weight, it’s easy to put on, hard to get off!”
“Travel, Emigrate, Run”
Adventure called to several, too. Kathy’s advice was “Travel the World,” while Val’s was “Emigrate to Australia.” Dianne got specific, reminiscing about opportunities missed: “Go to the UK (London or Manchester) and find him, reconnect.”
Meanwhile, some, like Jillian, didn’t mince words: “Run.” Jan layered in a note about mental wellbeing: “Get out now! Take antidepressants.”
“Don’t Accept Less Than Partnership”
Some reflections cut deep, with Jo summing up lessons about relationships: “You don’t need a man unless he is willing and able to share the responsibility.” Jan likewise said, “Stick with your decision to not have kids!” and Suzie told her younger self to, “Leave as soon as possible to avoid controlling parents.”
The Gift of Hindsight
In sharing these glimpses of wisdom – practical, philosophical, and deeply personal – Starts at 60’s community reminds all generations that life’s path is rarely straight. But with the benefit of experience, our readers show there is always something valuable to pass on. Whether it’s financial savvy, self-respect, or the courage to pursue adventure, the advice shared is a testament to the power of hindsight and the kindness of a caring, seasoned community.
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