While I don't actually have any children of my own, believe it or not, I was a child once. Even though @mrsbozz and I don't have kids of our own, we have a dog, nieces and nephews that we love to spoil, and friends with kids that we treat like our own.
My hope is that one day they might hang on to a little nugget of wisdom that I throw out there and carry it with them into their adult lives.
When the blog of the month was brought to my attention for the #silverbloggers community, I wasn't sure I had the right to join in. After reading the introduction post here, I soon realized my hesitation was unfounded.
It's been a long time since I have participated in an initiative or challenge on Hive, so here is my contribution!
It's safe to say in my 40+ years on this planet, I have made my fair share of mistakes. It's also safe to say that as a youth I put an unfounded amount of priority on things that really didn't deserve it.
Trust me, there's more
I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but trust me when I say that your life up to your high school graduation is just the beginning. It's literally 10% of your entire time on this Earth assuming the best.
I know, I know, your friends and your social life are the biggest thing in your life right now. You aren't going to believe me, but trust me. The heart breaks, disappointments, and set backs are all temporary. What you think you want now can and will change on a dime.
Just know that there is more and don't lock yourself into something prematurely. Give yourself permission to wait and and see what else the world has to offer when you are ready.
Buy experiences not things (AKA make memories not money)
The good news is, this shift is already happening and I think this one will be easier for some youth to wrap their heads around than the previous one.
Stuff is temporary, especially these days. The quality of merchandise versus the current cost of it is just not on par with how it used to be when my generation and the previous ones were younger.
Instead of spending your money on those things that will come and go, instead invest your money in experiences. Go on that trip, go to that concert. You have plenty of time to make money when you are older. Your key focus right now should be on making memories.
Make as many as you can and cherish them.
Invest! Financially and personally
Okay, I know I said not to spend your money on things, but set that aside for a moment and make the decision to put a small amount of money away into investments. They can be traditional, they can be crypto, just commit to putting 10% aside regularly as soon as you can. Trust me, the sooner you get in the habit the better off you will be in the long run.
Additionally, invest in yourself. Commit to being a lifelong learner. You may not think you need that woodshop or metal shop class when you are on the path to college, but take them anyway. Take a year of band, even if you suck. Learn to play the guitar (if you don't you are going to wish you had).
Take a small engine repair class at your local continuing education center. Maybe take an auto mechanic class. See if you can be an apprentice for a summer for a skilled trades worker. Being handy and not being afraid to get your hands dirty will pay off down the road, trust me.
The more you dedicate yourself to learning new skills, the easier it will be in the future should you suddenly need to shift careers. Also, just when you think you have learned enough, start learning more. Life is a classroom, show up ready to learn every day.
The only constant is change
Finally, just plan on change, that's really the only thing you can plan on these days. The sooner you accept that and embrace it, the smoother life in general will be for you.
Plans change, circumstances change, priorities change, relationships change. It's all okay, it can be sad at times, but it is all part of the process.
So there you go, I know this probably all seems like fluff now, but trust me, if you hang on to even 1% of the stuff I put here, you will be better off.
I hope you enjoyed my submission to this challenge!
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