What I Wish Knew At 17
And what it’s not ‘too late’ to learn now

I had a delightful interaction on social media the other day. A gentleman I don’t know connected with me, and then sent me a simple message.
“What is one thing life has taught you that would have saved you a lot of hassle to have known at 17?”
Here’s my reply:
At 17, I was a hopeless people-pleaser, desperate to be liked by others and just entering a phase of depression that would last until my early 20s. I had no idea “who I was” because my entire existence revolved around being whoever I needed to be to please those around me. I was a chameleon — shifting my manner, opinions and behavior to be liked, accepted and praised.
Life has taught me how INCREDIBLE I am — and was — as a human being. I can now see the talents and skills that I had then, that I never recognized in myself. I was good at things; I had potential. And it is only now that I can see that in my 17-year-old self.
I wish young adults were able to see their own greatness. Often our talents and skills come so naturally to us, that we don’t realize they are talents, or gifts, that others don’t have. We don’t recognize where we shine — because we are too ready to adopt and accept the opinions of others over our own sense (and love) of self.
I have a 17 year old son. I am often highlighting to him his own talents and gifts — where he shines. I say to him “You may not recognize this, but that thing you do is incredible. You are gifted in that way. Not everyone can do what you do.” I’d love for my children to recognize their point of greatness from early in life.
It took the gentle questioning of a complete stranger to remind me of the importance of seeing one’s greatness. Over the past 29 years, my life has become more wondrous because I have learned to acknowledge and express the things that I do more naturally, more effectively, more effortlessly and more joyfully than others around me.
And you have that greatness too.
Friends, if I can share one gem of truth with you today, whether you be 17 or 97, let it be this:
You may not recognize this, but that thing you do is incredible. You are gifted in that way. Not everyone can do what you do.
Please, don’t hold back. Share that greatness with the world.
Kim Forrester is an award-winning author, educator and intuitive consultant with over 15 years’ experience as a professional intuitive and spiritual teacher. She combines cutting edge science with traditional spirituality to offer the latest understandings of psi, consciousness and holistic well being.

