What do you know now, that you wish you had known half your life ago?

[begin_within]

[billyskank]

1. I am not fugly

:)

[supernova]

2. That it's OK to be what others call "shy"

That it's normal and it's not something to change or overcome, despite what other more outgoing people want to tell you. Instead it is a life perspective to be cherished and nurtured properly for yourself as well as those for whom you care.

I wish I would have known that growing up and when I was a young adult. I would have liked and respected myself a lot more and I would have had a much easier time socially. :-( .

[Deja Q]

3. credit cards are easy to misuse.

I'm doing better, but I wish I hadn't gotten into the hole in the first place.

But I'm doing the noble thing and am paying it back.

[azmouse]

7. I'll have to second that.

I'm getting a new mortgage that consolidates my credit card debt into it. Damn interest rates of 17% and 19% on the cards. They can go to hell. My new mortgage will be at 6 1/2% and I should be debt free in 5 yrs AND I'll own my house.
This taught me a big lesson. The credit cards are out of my wallet for good!

[Dangerously Amused]

4. People will use you if you let them.

:cry:

[begin_within]

5. Ain't that the truth! I wish I had learnt that one 4 years ago!

[SeattleGirl]

6. That I count, too

I've long felt that others were more important than me, more worthy, etc. There's still a little bit of that in me, but I'm getting better at not ignoring myself so much.

Other people ARE important, and I never ever want to lose that knowledge (and don't think I ever will). But I've mostly deferred to others, even when doing so could cause harm to me.

Folks, don't ever leave yourselves off the list of the important people in your lives!

[swag]

8. Stocks for the Long Run.

[Radical Activist]

9. Most religion is bullshit parents tell their kids so they won't have fun.

I wish I had known that starting in High School.

[IsIt1984Yet]

10. Raising a child can be the most emotionally draining experience.

And... mom and dad were ALWAYS right.

[eyepaddle]

11. To be blunt; if you want something

just ask for it.

This is pretty true in most areas of life, and works a shockingly high percentage of the time. I think even making the request shows you think your worthy of it. That translates into confidence. :)

[LeftyMom]

12. Holding out for what I really want is worthwhile in the long term. nt

[eyepaddle]

13. Oh yeah also that kayaking is an absolute

GAS!!!!!!!!!!

If I'd been working on this for fifteen more years, whoa. That's all, just whoa!

[Evergreen Emerald]

14. Trust my instincts

They are usually right.