What advice would you give to your mid-30s self?

[Posturesorposes]

Currently 35, and have had a full/on year. Baby 2 was born into the pandemic, returned to work with a major new role cutting across my organisation and lately have been realising how critical I am of myself at times. If you’re in your 40s,50s or beyond and looked back at yourself at this age what would your advice be?

I’ve already got a few -

1. Look after myself more
2. Lose that last stone of baby weight as it’s getting harder and harder
3. Get into an exercise habit
4. Be kind to myself - it ain’t easy balancing very small kiddies with a busy career and being very far away from country/family of origin - stop any internal critical voice
5. Moisturise!! (Seriously!)

Any others?

Great idea for a thread. Following as in a v similar situation. Currently having the PT / FT debate with myself. PT I love the days off and picking DC up from school etc but am getting frustrated at lack of opportunities and being over taken by others who can do FT. But FT will I regret missing out on time with the DC while they are young.

Look after your gums.

Work less hours

Yes adding gums!

Trust yourself. Know who you are and what kind of person you want to be and build confidence in that.

Trust yourself. Know who you are and what kind of person you want to be and build confidence in that.

Wow. SO this. Frame that I say to me. I think this is IT for me.

Get married for financial security if you’re going to give up/ reduce work to look after the kids.
If you’re not married, don’t contribute to his mortgage if you’re not on the deeds.
Pension - have a good private pension, preferably one you can take from the age of 55.
Definitely lose that weight, you will put it on in your 50’s and no amount of exercise will shift it. Unless you take up long distance running.
Sort your pelvic floor out now - don’t think you’ll wait and do it when the kids are older.
Enjoy your sex life - one day you’ll look back and wish you could go back to it.
Don’t waste your life on a man that’s actually not good enough - you only get one go at life.
Have the ability to be independent. Financially, practically and emotionally.
I gave up my career because I didn’t want my kids in nursery full time.Actually, they didn’t know any different and it makes no difference to them now they’re adults. I lost wages, pension and promotion because of that decision.

I’m now Keto and feel like a completely different person. The energy and enthusiasm I have for life has returned in my forties. So I’d tell my thirty five year old self to knock carbs on the head and tell her that in 10 years time you’ll be rocking skinnies and boots and having a rare old tile 🤭

*time

Pension, pension, pension. Sooner rather than later.

Advice to my mid 30s self? No job is worth a near nervous breakdown.

Don't underestimate the energy having a young family takes up - take guilt free time for yourself to develop your own interests. The men certainly do
Appreciate your looks but they aren't everything. Make sure your dh loves you as you are
Don't try to hard to please people. Make sure they please you sometimes
Avoid competitive parents and playground politics. You are better off on your own if that's the only option and your kids will be fine
Don't drink as a stress reliever. It will affect your sleep and stress you more

Awesome and really valuable tips. Does anyone have suggestions for a good daily facial moisturiser for normal skin in 30s whilst we are contemplating such finer things in life?! Sorry - needed to ask somewhere and this seems as good a place as any!

Very specific to mid 30s me but: don't let the fear of the unknown stop you leaving an awful marriage.

Love these kind of threads.

Buy classic cut clothes with a modern twist that you will continue to wear until they wear out. Figure out what colours suit you and work these colours.

Sort out or accept body hang ups.

Such useful thoughts everyone ...