If I could go back almost 48 years and offer advice to this good-looking young guy, ( he isn't so cute anymore....) There are six main lessons I would share ( not sure he would listen to me, as he is pretty stubborn).

Embrace your uniqueness. Don't try to be someone you're not. True happiness comes from accepting yourself for who you are. Don't worry about others' opinions; your happiness rests with your own self-acceptance, not what others think of you.

You are in control: While life will throw both good and bad at you, you ultimately have the power to choose how you respond through your behavior. Ultimately, your actions will shape your personal well-being, resilience, and happiness. Don't rely on external factors to define these aspects of your life, you are in control of you.

Life isn't always fair or fun. If you only seek joy in the good times, you'll miss out on some of life's greatest moments. Some of your most valuable lessons and memories will stem from times of your greatest challenges and growth.

Choose your friends and environment wisely. Your social environment significantly impacts your success, happiness, and mental health. You tend to become who you spend the most time with, so choose your companions with care.

5 Years/5 minutes: If something goes wrong and won't impact you in five years, don't give it more than five minutes of thought. Move on and focus on the things that truly matter to you.

Don't lose the power to say "no." As a child, you were taught to be agreeable, which is important, but it's also crucial to retain the power to say "no." Saying "no" allows you to set boundaries, protect your time and energy, and avoid commitments that don't align with your values. Your mental health and happiness in adulthood depend on understanding the importance of this word.

These are just a few of the lessons I would share with this younger guy..

What would you tell your younger self?