Embracing Your Inner 17-Year-Old: A Journey Beyond Regret ??

Dear Inner 17-Year-Old self ,

Do you remember what it felt like to be 17? For some of us, it's a distant memory; for others, a moment ago. But there's something magical about that time for many of us. It was a moment when the world felt boundless, our dreams were just a reach away, and fear was an alien concept.

One of our friends here just shared something that tugged at my heartstrings:

"A volte rimpiango tanto la me a 17 anni che girava il mondo senza timori e retropensieri...e che dormiva in aereo spensierata...ora non nascondo che ho mille paure improbabili...tipo dirottamenti... non solo in volo ma spesso nelle azioni quotidiane...si può fare qualcosa per tornare almeno un po' con la testa di un adolescente?" (Translation: "Sometimes I deeply regret the 17-year-old me who traveled the world fearlessly and without afterthoughts... and who slept on planes without a care... now, I cannot hide that I have a thousand improbable fears... like hijackings... not only in flight but often in everyday actions... is there something that can be done to return, even just a little, to the mindset of a teenager?")

Ah, to have the heart of a 17-year-old, but with the wisdom of our current selves! ??

So, this got me thinking: Is it possible to recapture that spirit, that boldness we once had, without being reckless? How can we dance with our fears instead of letting them lead? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Recognize the Power of Regret: It's not about the pain of what we didn't do but realizing what we still can do. It's a motivator, a reminder that we're still alive and capable of making choices that ignite our spirits.

2. The "What-If" Game: Our fears often come from the 'what-ifs' we spin in our minds. What if we turn this on its head? What if you succeed? What if that trip becomes the best experience of your life? Sometimes, we need to challenge our fears with our own narrative.

3. Embrace Your Inner Risk-Taker: Remember a time when you did something bold and it felt amazing? You're still that person. It's about taking calculated risks – aligning with your current responsibilities and wisdom. Maybe it's not about cliff diving but perhaps saying yes to a new project, a trip, or just speaking your heart out.

4. Continuous Learning – The Teenager's Heart: One thing about being young was the constant learning. Everything was new. If you want to think like your 17-year-old self, learn something new. It could be a language, a craft, or even deeper knowledge about a place you'd like to visit. Engage that ever-curious teen in you.

5. The Magic Alignment: It's about aligning your choices with your core values and desires, not the expectations of others. It's your compass, leading you through the noise of fears and doubts. [Consider reading my book, "The Magic Alignment," to explore this further.]

6. Laugh in the Face of Fear: Okay, maybe not literally. But remember, our fears often dislike when we take them less seriously. Humor can be a powerful antidote to fear. ??

7. Connect With Your Purpose: If there's one thing that can ignite our spirits and dissolve the shadows of fear, it's purpose. Remember how, at 17, the world felt rife with meaning and every action was a step towards your grand dreams? That wasn't adolescent naivety; it was clarity of purpose! As we grow, this purpose doesn't diminish; we just let the noise of life drown it out.

Take a moment to reflect. What makes you come alive? What's the legacy you wish to build? What impact do you want to have in your community or the world at large? This isn't a race to find a grandiose purpose but to reconnect with the guiding star within you. It's there, waiting to light up your path with clarity, joy, and yes, a boldness that can make the 17-year-old you proud.

And guess what? If you're finding this challenging, you're not alone. Unearthing our true purpose after years of disconnect can feel daunting, but it's a journey worth every step. In my book, "The Magic Alignment," I delve into this process, guiding you through self-reflection, decision-making, and action-taking, all aligned with your true purpose. And if you feel like you need a travel companion on this journey, a coach might be the perfect fit. Together, we'll navigate this path, ensuring your purpose is not just a distant star, but a close companion illuminating your daily life.

Remember, dear friend, the goal isn't to erase or ridicule our fears – it's to ensure they don't get to steer the wheel of our lives. It's about finding that balance where your inner 17-year-old and your present self can coexist, laugh together, and, maybe, occasionally, engage in healthy mischief.

Want to dive deeper into this journey beyond regret? Let's talk. We can create a space where we journey through these human experiences, finding clarity, courage, and a few hearty laughs along the way.

Until next time, keep that spark alive! And hey, why not share your "17-year-old self" story? I'd love to hear it, and I'm sure others would too!

With joy and a dash of teen spirit, Costa