A Conversation with My 12 Year Old Self

On Tuesday I turned 66.  As with any birthday it gives you a chance to look back. It makes you wonder why you are where you are in life. I’ve lived longer than my mom, who died at 54.  I’ve lived longer than two siblings, who each died at 65. I’ve outlived my daughter by a lot. She died at 17. So, I have a lot of life experience that would have been useful at age 12. What would I tell my 12 year old self?  Here is what it might look like, totally based on my own life.

First, take really good care of your teeth!  Toothaches hurt! Root canals hurt! An abscessed tooth is excruciating! Go overboard with the brushing, the flossing, the checkups, because Medicare does not cover dental care. Dental insurance for seniors is difficult to find, and is cost prohibitive.  Luckily, AARP came through for me, but it is still expensive.

Second, save money!  Save, save, and then save some more.  You will make enough money in your lifetime to have lots of fun and buy things that you really want or need.  But you can’t get back time. Don’t look at your finances every few years and say to your self I’d better get serious about saving for retirement.  Let me tell you….you wake up  one morning and your are 66!  Yes, it happens that fast! If you save from a young age and do it consistently over time you should be in a good place when it is time to retire.

Third, don’t be in a hurry to get married.  Wait for the right one.  But be sure she is the right one.  Be unerringly sure she is the right one. Take your time finding that out. When you find her and decide to marry her, be sure you are marrying for the right reasons. When you do marry, do your best to make it work.  Keep it fresh. Keep it interesting. Know that both of you will change over time. I’ve been married more than once. A wise woman once said to me. “You don’t have to marry everyone you date”.  I am passing that advice on to you.

Finally, enjoy yourself. Try to find fun and laughter in every day. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Bad things are going to happen, but good things are going to happen too. Hang out with positive people. Run from negative people. Be kind. Stand up for your core beliefs, but realize others’ core beliefs may differ from yours.  Cherish the people in your life because you never know how long they will be there. Travel. Try new foods. But never try turnips. No, never turnips.

***Thank you for the input on my blog. It was very helpful. I am continuing to write, maybe two or three times a week. My dwindle was caused more by Facebook than by my writing skills. Most people have been reading my blog when it shows up on their FB newsfeed. That is hit and miss. If you truly enjoy reading these, the best way to not miss a post is to follow me and have it delivered to your e-mail. Thanks again.