What Advice Would I have Given Myself

by Morgan Thorpe
(Canoga Park, CA, USA)

Find you passion and go for it. Don't let anyone or anything keep you from reaching your goal. There are many roads to choose from, some are longer than others, always choose the scenic route.

Every new person you meet knows something you do not so learn how to listen. An old homeless man told me when I was young that if I don't get what I want in life I have no one to blame but myself. It is some of the best advice I was ever given.

Give freely of what you find, this does not only mean material possessions. If you are happy, smile, if you have climbed a mountain, bring up others so they too can enjoy the view. Always remember, that if you can laugh at it, you can live with it. Times will be tough, no doubt, and when the world says, "Give Up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." Never, ever, ever give up.

There is always another day, another sunrise there is always hope. You must believe that no matter what. God will always do for you what you cannot do for yourself. He may not always take away the pain, but pain is often a promise of progress.

Hold onto your purpose at all costs. Be prepared to walk through fire to keep your integrity. It goes a long way. You were meant to shine. Keep away from people, places and things that will drain your light, that will steal your soul, that will take your serenity. Never be afraid to walk away, or turn around if you walked down the wrong path.

It takes more courage to turn around and admit your faults than eventually come face to face with a mistake. The more mistakes you make, the easier it becomes to do the wrong thing. If you need help, ask. You won't get help unless you ask. And this includes asking God for help.

I once read that God is a gentleman, he will not go anywhere unless he is invited. And when others ask you for help always do what you can within your means. The best way to get rid of negative thoughts is to stop thinking about yourself and think about how you can help others. The more you give, the wealthier you become. Walk. Pray. Listen. Remember, God will always be there. He will always guide you, He will always answer your every prayer, however, sometimes the answer is no, and that may be the greatest gift of all.

Be prepared to be amazed at just how beautiful the world really is, drive through the Smoky mountains in the first week of October, travel the roads of Ireland, you will see colors you never knew existed. Take a look around, it is a wonderful world, always full of a plethora of possibilities. When your spirit is right you can find happiness in simply looking up at the sky.

Keep your promises as best you can, especially to your friends and family. Your parents love you unconditionally. They may not always be able to show it in their words; however, you must remember that 93% of all communication is NON verbal. Your family loves you no matter what. In the end, they are the only ones who can explain you.

Love deeply. Never be afraid to say I love you, it may be the last words someone hears. However, love completely, love does not pick and choose which parts to keep and which parts to throw away. If you love, love with all your heart. Do not be afraid that love won't last, you will be much better for remembering the smiles it brought rather than the tears it took.

Don't worry about money, the more you worry about it, the less you will have. Never lean on others financially. Get a college degree, or even two, become the smartest person you possibly can. Education is priceless.

Do not be afraid of what other's think of you. Do not let them rent space in your head. What others think of you is none of your business. You cannot control people, places or things. The only thing you can control is yourself. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most folks don't realize they are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Make up your mind to be the most positive, enthusiastic person you can.

Learn to leave gracefully, learn to say a good farewell. In this life you will experience loss...loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a loved one, loss of a life once lived, loss of a dream once shared. You will say more goodbyes than hellos, and that is okay. You are okay. You will be just fine. I promise. Hold your head up because in the end, it will be worth every misstep, every lesson, every wrong turn, because one day you too will be able to share your story.....and the advice you would have given along the way...