If you could tell your 25-year-old self anything right now, what would it be?

Okay, so it’s been a while since you were 25 (yeah, tell us about it!), but all of us at some point of our lives have said; “If only I knew then what I know now …” (Sorry for the cheeseball moment, but it’s warranted … we think!)

True, age is just a number. That’s all it is. There’s no distinct point in your life where you should have already accomplished x, y and z. It’s simply a number stating how many years you’ve existed on earth. But, were you aware of this during your quarter-life crises?

Seriously though, what if it were possible to “future-proof” your life, to go back in time and have a talk with your younger self with all the wisdom, life-experience, and perspective that comes with getting older?

Here’s Our Advice:

Being 25 does not mean that you’ve got to have it all figured out; whatever you didn’t do in your 20s, you’ll get a chance to do it in your 40s. (It’s called a mid-life crisis, and it’s a lot of fun!) You have time.

Life is not a check-list. Do what makes you joyful every day, live in the moment.

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember, failure is not defeat; until you stop trying. Failure is one of the best ways to learn, it’s part of the process to eliminate unsuccessful choices.

Forget about the peanut gallery. Don’t feel pressured to do what others might think is a fulfilling life.

Work to live, don’t live to work. Also, remember it’s ok to have a job just to pay the rent. Just make sure that it leaves you with enough free time to do what you’re passionate about.

Make friends outside your bubble. The more you do, the more you’ll grow.

Say no to the things you don’t want to do.

Don’t be afraid to love, and don’t be afraid of being alone. If you’re not sure if he’s the one, you’ll have to kiss a few more frogs before your prince comes along!

Don’t rush each milestone. You’ll want to get married fast, climb the corporate ladder, decorate your home, and have kids all at the same time! Take it slow.

Appreciate your good health and amazing body – even if it’s not the ideal size. Don’t obsess over it.

Spend your time and money on experiences, not things.

Forgive yourself and others. After all, we’re all only human.

Tell your loved ones that you love them every time you get the chance.

Love your partner and your kids for who they are, and not for who you wish they were.

Trust that you are the expert on raising your kids.

Make a difference in someone’s life.

The spirit of adventure will open your mind to great opportunities and steer you on a lifelong quest to prove that impossible is just a word.

So young self, remember to never let a moment, a day, or a year, just pass you by. Love with all your heart. Be kind and grateful, and never, never take anything for granted.

Source: www.thesreamlinedlife.com, www.detoursandshortcuts.com, www.theodysseyonline.com, www.blissonomics.com, uk.businessinsider.com, www.buzzfeed.com, abeautifulmess.com, www.independent.ie, webcachegoogleusercontent.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.vox.com, fallenfutures.wordpress.com, cestlavieannie.wordpress.com, thoughtcatalog.com, greeneggsnohamforsam.com