How Wisdom and Mistakes Shape Us

I’ve always heard the saying “youth is wasted on the young,” but it didn’t resonate with me when I was younger. I was living my best life, or at least doing my best to do so. But now, as I’ve gained more life experience, I find myself reflecting on what I could have done differently—what my life could be like if I had made different choices.

I believe that the experiences we have, both good and bad, shape who we are. Yes, there are things I would change, but there are also many things I’m incredibly grateful for right now. It’s a strange balance of “what ifs” and appreciating what I’ve gained from my past decisions.

When we’re kids, adults often try to give us advice, but we don’t always listen. As we get older, we realize that much of what they said was true. The older generation’s wisdom is valuable, even if we were too stubborn to accept it at the time. They tried to warn us about mistakes they made, but we were determined to figure things out on our own. It’s only with time that we come to understand that life is not just about working hard—it’s also about preparation and luck.

I once believed that if I worked hard enough and gained the right experiences, everything would fall into place. But the truth is, life doesn’t always work out the way we expect, no matter how smart or prepared we are. I realized that not everything is within our control, and that’s been a tough pill to swallow. However, this realization also pushed me to take charge of my future. I launched this website as the first step to pursuing my dreams, and while the process is slow, I’m excited to see where it leads.

Sometimes, I wish I had listened more to the intergenerational wisdom I was given. But I also recognize that not all advice is right for me. Elders often try to steer us away from their own mistakes, but sometimes their paths don’t align with ours. There are also times when they push their wisdom too hard, assuming that their experiences will perfectly translate to our lives. The truth is, my journey is my own, and I have to make choices that feel right for me, even if they’re different from what others expect.

One of the best decisions I ever made was to move to South Korea to teach English. No one thought it was a good idea, but it was something I had been considering for years. The first month was tough, but once I settled in, it was one of the happiest times of my life. Looking back, I see how that decision opened doors to new experiences, like traveling the world. Would my life be different if I hadn’t taken that leap? Maybe, but I know I would’ve spent my life wondering “what if?”

I’ve learned that taking chances, no matter how small, leads to personal growth. I remember once, years ago, I walked into a gym, saw a guy who caught my eye, and had the courage to give him my number. He never called, but the real victory was in the act of taking that chance. I was proud of myself for being brave, and that moment became a core memory of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Now, as I face new crossroads in life, I want to learn from everyone around me—both younger and older. I want to hear about the choices they made, the regrets they have, and the lessons they’ve learned. But ultimately, I know my journey is mine to chart. While I’ll respect the wisdom of others, I will embrace my own path, making decisions based on my unique experiences.

Mistakes and lessons are part of life, and while they may mirror the experiences of others, they are never exactly the same. We all have our own stories to tell, and it’s through those stories that we grow and learn.

What life lessons have you learned recently? How have they shaped your journey?