Hyphenated-Homestead

(And Honestly, Still Give to Myself Sometimes)

There’s something deeply grounding about reflecting on the advice you’d give to your younger self.

It’s not just a mental time machine. It’s a checkpoint; part therapy, part mentorship. And in a way, it’s also a service to those who are 20–30 years younger and trying to navigate this whole “being an adult” thing while still Googling (or should I say ChatGPTing lol) how to boil rice.

I recently stumbled on an Instagram post by Reese Witherspoon that hit me just right. No long captions. Just one-line zingers paired with her smiling face and some hard-earned life clarity. So, I decided to take her list, add some of my reflections on those, and add a few of my own to the list.

Here we go:

Rejection Teaches You Perseverance

Absolutely. Whether it was jobs, pitches, people, or ideas, rejection was never the end. It was usually a redirect.
The only downside? Perseverance often comes bundled with ego bruises and a large side of self-doubt. But you bounce. Sometimes even higher.

Edit Your Friendships

If I had a penny for every “energy drainer” I tried to be polite to in my 20s, I’d own a big island by now.
Editing doesn’t mean cutting people cold. It means curating the space around you like you would your playlist: high-vibe, honest, and no guilt about skipping a track that no longer fits.

People’s Opinions of You Are None of Your Business

If you need to read that again, do it.
You don’t need to manage someone else’s thoughts about you. Their mental tabs aren’t your responsibility. The sooner I stopped overthinking what others might be thinking, the more space I had to actually think for myself.

People Are Either Radiators or Drains. Stick with Your Radiators.

100%. Energy is contagious. Radiators don’t just warm up a room, they make it safe to be yourself.
Drains, on the other hand? You leave every conversation needing electrolytes and a nap.

A Few Lessons I’d Add:

Busy is Not a Badge

I used to think being constantly busy meant I was doing life right. All it really meant was scheduling my burnout like it was a meeting invite. Now I choose presence over packed calendars.

Fewer things done well > everything done halfway.

Be the Main Character, Not the Martyr

Saying yes to everything doesn’t make you noble. It makes you tired.
It’s okay to disappoint someone else to stay true to yourself. This took me years to learn, and I’m still a work in progress.

Discomfort is a Clue, Not a Red Flag

Growth rarely comes with a warm towel and good lighting. If something feels awkward, hard, or uncomfortable; that might be exactly where you need to stay a little longer. That’s where the shift starts.

Final Thought

If my younger self could’ve had a cheat sheet like this, he still wouldn’t have followed it right away. And that’s okay. Life doesn’t always need a shortcut. But a little perspective can save you from a few U-turns (and maybe a bad roommate).

So, if you’re a little younger, maybe one of these lands. Or makes you laugh. Or gets you to pause long enough to edit your own list.

The best part? You’re allowed to keep rewriting it. I know I do.

P.S. This seems fitting to share on August 15, India’s Independence Day.
Because personal freedom, from hustle culture, people-pleasing, or your own outdated rules – deserves a celebration too. 🙌 No flag-waving needed.

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