Life Advice From My 11 Year Old Self

Matthew Dempsey
Jul 22, 2017 · 2 min read

I recently uncovered my old diaries.

They were neatly hidden in a cupboard in my brother’s old room, tucked up into the corner where no prying eyes would see them.

Except mine.

Of course I took them out, feeling the weight of the pages and the weight of all the words within. I had not held back in writing these diaries — they were brutally honest, containing each and every thought and feeling I had had throughout my childhood years. They were mostly quite depressing, punctuating all of the issues and fears that no 11 year old ought to have, about the future, about my family and about life.

But one thing stood out to me.

It was a remarkably poignant piece of advice I had constructed myself. It was amazing how relevant I still find this advice, many years later. And importantly, I think it’s applicable to almost anyone.

“If there’s something you don’t like about your life, you have just two options: 1 - Go out and change it. Or 2 - Accept it and learn to love it.”

I stand by this advice. I know it’s simple, but that’s the beauty of it. Although it must be noted that this advice comes with some small print. Option 1 is massively preferred, and must always be carried out if at all possible. Yes, this is by far the hardest option, but it is the most effective and by far the most rewarding! Option 2 is only for exceptional circumstances that simply cannot be resolved in any other way. So next time you find yourself with a thought of “Damn, I’m actually not happy with this right now”, just run through these two options in your mind, and see what you can do.

So what was once a secret, private thought of my own mind is now open to the world.

If 11 year old me can think this up, then why can’t you put it into practice?


What do you think? Let me know — I wanna hear your responses. Please also consider following me to hear the random musings and thoughts of a confused and somewhat afraid 16 year old British kid. Thanks. ☺

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