It Took Me 40 Years to Realize What I Tell You in 10 Minutes
This is based on someone else’s experience.
I loved the advice and felt I must share it.
The Illusion of External Success
The things that often seem important when you are younger,
the perfect body, the big house,
the perfect job—do not really matter in the long run.
What truly matters is what is going on inside you.
After having to stop work and medically retire two years ago,
having the time to reflect on life revealed
what is genuinely important and fulfilling.
Finding a Consistent Passion
Throughout a lifetime of diverse jobs—from running snow ski tours
and working in bars to waitering, cooking,
and teaching art—one thing remained completely consistent: artwork.
The ability to continue following that dream,
even without financial success,
is what builds character and shows who you are as a human being.
Advice to My Younger Self
If it were possible to go back in time and talk to an 18-year-old self,
the focus would be on two vital aspects of life:
- Prioritize Health: Health must be placed even above time. Without a healthy life, the time you have left and what you can actually do with it are severely restricted.
- Avoid Destructive Habits: Do not drink too much or do drugs. These habits silently take time away from you, are unbelievably destructive, and you will never get that time back.
The Speed of Time and the Value of Experience
The older you get, the faster time seems to go.
Decades pass in what feels like a flash,
and children grow up incredibly quickly.
It is absolutely crucial to cherish those moments
while they are happening.
Even with years spent bouncing around doing odd jobs
with very little money, there are no regrets.
Those experiences—whether hard, fun,
or a bit crazy—shape who you become.
You have to experience things yourself, make your own mistakes,
and grow from them.
Even the very bad experiences teach valuable lessons
that ultimately make you a better person.
Relationships and Living a Modest Life
Living a very modest life brings deep contentment.
Maintaining a marriage for almost 30 years and raising
wonderful children are immense achievements.
It requires learning to compromise, giving,
and truly being a partner.
Building a fulfilled family life provides a profound sense of purpose.
Letting Go of External Judgments
As you age, you realize that it does not matter
what other people think, what you wear, or how you look.
Feeling proud within yourself and maintaining your own self-respect
are what truly matter.
It is a massive relief to no longer have to play the game
of caring about superficial, external judgments.
Discovering True Purpose
Everyone needs to find their purpose.
Having a distinct drive and a goal keeps you going,
even through sickness.
After decades of giving your soul and physical ability
to work for others, finding the time to develop
who you are and concentrate on your true passions is liberating.
Living a modest lifestyle allows you to focus on this inner drive
without being entirely consumed by the worry of paying bills.
The Importance of Community and Giving Back
Over time, you learn to appreciate the people around you much more.
You become willing to give your time freely to those you care about,
or even to strangers who simply need help.
- Relationships are not transactional: It is about who we are as human beings and the importance of living together, not what you can get in return.
- Start locally: The more we work together, the better this planet will be, but that change has to start in your own home and your local community.
A Summary of 40 Years of Wisdom
- Look after yourself and deeply care for your health.
- Avoid destructive habits like excessive drinking and drugs to preserve your time.
- Enjoy the time you have and share it with the people you love. At the end of the day, that is what is most important.
