I wish I knew then what I know now. Hindsight is 20/20!!! I am 57 and will be 58 in October. If I knew at 27, what I know now, it would have saved me a lot of unnecessary worry. Guess what? Most girls in their teens and twenties are very self-conscious and worry what others think of them.
With age comes wisdom and the realization that what others think of us, does matter somewhat; however, it certainly doesn’t define us. Social media has opened up a new level of scrutiny. Believe in yourself and don’t let others’ social media posts get to you. I know that is easier said than done.
I do have a few pearls of wisdom that I would love to share with you. My award-winning memoir, “Confessions of a Southern Baby Boomer,” details the silly and not so fabulous episodes that I have lived through. I’ve learned so much and wish that my younger sisters of today can learn from me.
Don’t be self-conscious about your dancing. I now dance like no one’s watching and sing gleefully (Off-key, but who cares? Not me!!) All or most of the other people dancing are so self-absorbed that they are not looking at you. They are thinking about themselves and how others are watching them!! So, relax and dance like you mean it!
Live the Golden Rule. Treat others like you want to be treated. Always err on the side of being kind and thoughtful. Be the first to smile and the first to offer a handshake.
Most people are going through challenges we know nothing about. Give people the benefit of the doubt and turn the other cheek; take the high road if others are difficult. It is probably not you that they are frustrated with, it is probable that they are self-absorbed with their own problems. Let your light shine on others, you will feel happier and it will bring a smile to others who need a lift.
Again, hindsight is 20/20. Oh my goodness, life is what happens to you while you are making other plans! Keep a journal, draw, read, do theater, or play music. Being creative will definitely help you navigate the rocky road of growing up. And believe me when bad things happen, don’t let them define you.
Really, it probably won’t matter in a year, a month or even a day. So, my friends, dance like no one’s watching; sing loudly and off-key and you will be a happier person on the inside and out!!
