6.17.2008

Advice to Janie

I have read that Parade magazine Sunday paper supplement for as long as I can remember. The features, the questions for that Marilyn vos Savant (the smartest chick in the world!), the ads for Eva Gabor wigs and hearing aids -- an indicator that I am much younger than the average Parade magazine reader.

There was a celeb-feature a week or two ago that I found pretty interesting: it was a Q&A with famous people regarding "Advice to the Young Me."

And in the spirit of the ridiculous questions in the Personality Parade (inside front cover always and forever) and that interview piece that runs at the end of the mag, here are the words of wisdom I'd give to my young self.

*Your gut instinct is usually right. Go with what it tells you -- regardless.

*Humbleness and genuine gratefulness are traits to continually cultivate. They never wear out their welcome.

*Don't be so shy and guarded. It's OK -- branch out a bit and share yourself with the people in your life. They will still love you. (this is also good advice for grown-up jane... she still hasn't really learned this lesson yet.)

*Learn to let it go. Worry never gets you anywhere constructive. (again, grown-up jane needs to listen to this as well...)

*Follow your passion. Whatever it might be. Trying and testing the waters beats the hell out of regrets.

*Laugh. Laugh. Laugh. Laughter is the salve for many wounds -- even the ones that run deep.

*Try to remember that when things seem darkest, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It may sometimes be imperceptible, but it's there.

*Don't be afraid to love with your whole heart and being.

*Sometimes, just for the hell of it, bet on the long shot. You'll be surprised at how often that will pay off.

*Be happy with who you are. Because you rock.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

now that's some good advice.

Anonymous said...

sound advice ... I'll be back because it looks like we both have old souls.

Some call it stalking; others call it love.

Marissa said...

good advice indeed. I'm especially fond of this one:
"*Don't be so shy and guarded. It's OK -- branch out a bit and share yourself with the people in your life. They will still love you."

I struggle with it due to fears of being disliked. Oy! It might become my mantra.

SusanD said...

I hope you've at learned the last bit of advice. Because you do rock!