I’d tell myself

If I could start again,

I’d do things differently.

I’d go back and save myself

From years of pain and suffering.

I’d travel back as an emissary,

Bending time and space 

To tell myself… 

I’d tell myself that there’s no such thing

As an incorrect emotion,

Only an incorrect perception.

I’d tell myself that progress

Shouldn’t come at the cost

Of happiness. 

I’d tell myself that goals

Are only as valuable 

As the lessons along the way.

I’d tell myself that security,

Won’t come from money or achievements,

But from acceptance. 

I’d tell myself that as soon as you think 

You’ve figured it out,

That’s when you’re most wrong. 

I’d tell myself to listen more,

Because the secrets of the universe, 

Are found in the spaces. 

I’d tell myself to seek understanding,

Because everyone believes

Their opinion is the right one. 

I’d tell myself to have compassion,

Because evil is only ever a misguided

Call for love. 

I’d tell myself that worrying

never helped the situation. 

And of course, I’d tell myself to buy Bitcoin in 2010. 

All these lessons I earned through the trials,

The tribulations, and joys 

Of Life’s curriculum.

Then again, if I didn’t experience those pains,

would I have understood the lessons?

If I could go back and share them,

Would I even listen? 

If I could start again,

I wouldn’t change a thing.