If you spend any amount of time with me—whether as a client, patient, or friend—you’ll likely be on the receiving end of some random questions. They may or may not have anything to do with anything. I was born into a journalistic family, you see, so it’s only natural that I tend to investigate, probe, and want to know more—especially about you.
One of my current favorites to ask is:
“What would your 90-year-old self tell you to do—or not do—today?”
It’s been fascinating to hear the responses. Most of my “victims” are in the midlife range, like me.
When my 91-year-old mother-in-law came to visit last week, I was so excited to ask her this question, but I had to tweak the question a bit:
“What would your 91-year-old self today tell your 18-year-old self?”
At first, she resisted. She’s not the type to boast, brag, or hand out wisdom on her own.
But I kept asking, because I really wanted to know!
Eventually, she smiled and said:
“I’d tell her not to worry so much—at 18, or at any age. I cared too much about what other people thought. I tried so hard to do the right thing, to please everyone… except myself. It just didn’t need to take up so much energy, you know?”
I nodded, grinning from the inside.
Her answer echoed what I’ve heard from others—except this time, it wasn’t hypothetical.
So, I’ll ask you:
What would your 90-year-old self tell you today?
Stop worrying so much?
Stop pleasing too much?
Prioritize your energy for something that actually matters?
I sure hope to make it to 90. But if I don’t, I want to live out the advice I imagine I’d give my current self now.
There’s no need to wait—this moment is all we’ve got.
Happy August to you!
With love and gratitude,
xoxo
Kit
P.S. Holistic Acupuncture sessions for August are available. You can make your own appointment here.