"What would you tell your younger self?"

I would call this Journey a deep-soul searching narrative of my life over the past years (you will have to read on to find out how long, I will leave clues!). I do hope it will help at least 1 person in navigating the "seas of life".

Starting any habit is hard. Most Superhero movies start with the current period, then either do a sequel or a prequel (before the story you know!). My intent here is to provide some help to people in need, information which can be useful to our next generation (or not!), have a little fun storytelling along the way, maybe cry a little, but try to provide some inspiration to the 1.7 people that will actually read this :) (As I have indicated previously, I am not now, not never, a coach, influencer, or any such label, take in information at your own Risk!). Oh, the Habit (which I am horrible at), Today is November 2nd, 2019, I must do this for the next 30-days. (In line with quitting other not so good habits - don't Ask)

Whoever was that guy or girl who asks, "If you knew what you know, now, what would you tell your younger self?" I know, it is a very probing question, deep. I'll take a shot at it. Here are the main things I would tell myself in my time-travel to 15 (I think this is a good point where younger people actually start to realize 1 or 2 things). Timewise, this is a 15-year old in 2019 (not when I was 15!).

Firstly, stay positive. You will face a lot of challenges in your life. Pain, disappointment, happiness (Yes, a challenge), joy, love, etc. To assist yourself, surround with people that encourage you realistically and honestly, this latter part is the most important. Your circle. Keep it tight. And it always goes both ways. Whether in choosing a career, university, girl/boyfriend, wife/husband, place to live or whatever, have a few people that will always be completely open and honest with you. Have an open mind to all possibilities. Whatever happens, believe that tomorrow will be better (not everyone thinks this). All of my close circle has gone through many highs and lows, they all say the same.

Secondly (as I know your 15 and can't handle too much data at one time), try as much as possible to stay "Calm" and "Patient" and not become so distracted with all the influences you have today. Likes on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, don't mean anything (Unless your a 11-year old millionaire reviewing Toys on youtube), focus on you. Be calm, try to find something that puts you at peace to be able to think clearly. You have so much more access to really anything online today, use it in the right way. Keep moving forward, however long it takes.

Okay Dad, what else? (Note: My Kids have fallen asleep at this Point)

Lastly (okay, okay!), start working as soon as possible. Do anything, a paper route, delivering pizza, internships, lifeguard (those were my options) or in today's world, online marketing, branding, reviewing. Don't sit around playing Video games all day. Working teaches you to communicate with people in your peer group, customers, co-workers, etc. Learning quality people skills will teach you the most important lessons in life, maybe tons more than a college degree. This will help you in the workforce and in your life.

Last tidbits before I totally lose them, Work Hard. Anything takes hours and hours (10,000 to be an expert) in anything you do. Athlete, Accountant, Painter, Writer, Salesperson, etc. You may get lucky and invent the next sliced cheese (Okay, cheese is bad for you, so the next Google, Amazon, or Tik Tok), but even those founders worked their tails off before they made it. (well, except the We Work guy!).

So in summary, Be Positive, Calm, and Work Hard. Surround yourself with people that challenge and support you. Life will knock you in different directions, these things will develop your confidence to be able to thrive in any circumstance.

Tomorrow: We will start the journey......"Give and You Shall Receive"

Thanks for tuning in. On the Way......

Love & Gratitude, November 2nd, 2019, from somewhere in Asia.