What I Would Tell My Younger Self?

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and I spent it with a few of my friends from university. We reminisced about our younger days, and someone asked, "If you could, would you go back to being in your early 20s?" Without hesitation, I said no—not unless I could take all the wisdom I have gained along the way.

The truth is, I feel healthier, stronger, fitter, happier, and more centered now than I did (cough, cough) 30 years ago. I’ve learned that well-being doesn’t just happen—it’s a practice. It’s built, one choice at a time. If I could go back and whisper advice to my younger self, here’s what I would say:

Food is medicine. But only if you eat real food. I always remind people in our programs: You are what you eat—so don’t be cheap, easy, or fake.

Sleep is your best performance enhancer. Forget the all-nighters, the caffeine-fueled hustle. Prioritize deep rest, and you’ll be sharper, more resilient, and full of energy.

Movement is also medicine. Move often. Move in ways that feel good. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day. And don’t be afraid to lift weights—your future self will thank you.

Breathwork is a superpower. Your breath is one of the most powerful tools you have for calming your nervous system and resetting your energy. Use it intentionally. Do it daily.

Nature is a healer. Whether it’s a short walk, a weekend hike, or just stepping outside to breathe in fresh air—connect with nature. It grounds you, restores you, and resets your nervous system.

Gut health matters. Your gut isn’t just about digestion—it affects your mood, immunity, and overall well-being. Pay attention to it and nourish it well. (See point #1!)

Your body speaks. First it whispers, then it screams. Listen to the subtle signals—fatigue, tension, digestive issues—before they escalate into more significant health concerns. Ignoring them doesn’t make them go away.

Stress is silent but can be deadly. Learn the tools to manage it before it manages you.

Alcohol is not your friend. It’s not the stress-reliever or confidence booster it pretends to be. Your body, brain, hormones, and sleep will thank you for cutting back.

Slow down. Get still. Rest deeply. In a world that moves fast, give yourself permission to pause. Silence is a counterbalance to chaos, a space where clarity and resilience are cultivated.

When faced with a difficult decision, get still and ask yourself, "What would love do?"

Stop trying so HARD! You don’t have to hustle your way to success. Explore David Bingham’s "Effortless Being."

"Follow the fun." As my friend Jelena always says. In our success-driven world, we often lose touch with our inner child and forget the importance of play. There's something magical about following your joy —it opens us up to who we are at a deeper level, beyond our egoic self.

All your power is in the present—the NOW moment. As Eckhart Tolle emphasizes in The Power of Now, stop waiting for “someday.”

What you focus on grows stronger. Focus on what’s working, what’s good, and what’s possible. Your thoughts create your reality.

Gratitude rewires your brain. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools for becoming happier. Use it.

Comparison kills joy and your spirit. Stop looking sideways. Stay on your path—it’s the only one that matters.

You are intuitive. Get quiet. Put your hand on your heart. Listen. You already know.

A true friend is worth more than a room full of acquaintances. Invest in deep, authentic connections—they are everything.

LAUGH! Laugh freely, laugh often, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Would I go back to my 20s? Only if I could bring this wisdom and these practices with me. But the good news? We don’t have to go back. We can start where we are, at any age, and build a life of resilience, joy, and vitality.

What would you tell your younger self? Drop a comment or send me a note—I’d love to hear!

And if you’re feeling inspired to deepen these practices—for yourself, your clients, or your team—I’d love to support you. Join us in the Certified Resilience Coach Program, or connect with me to explore resilience training for your organization. (Click here to book a discovery call.)

Let’s keep growing—one breath, one choice, one moment at a time.

With warmth and presence,

Monica