Inspired by another thread, what advice would you give to your 43 year old self?

[GabrielleChanel]

Bit of background
With DP happily for 15+ years
4 kids one in secondary, three in primary
Home owners but shed loads of the mortgage yet to pay - some savings
DP made redundant after a long spell out of work so financially things aren't great
I'm Self/employed but didn't qualify for any benefits (haven't checked for a bounce back loan yet)

We have had a turbulent couple of years financially, and now
coronavirus on top of this. Certainly the number of people I'm TRULY in touch with, in a crisis situation is fewer than I may have hoped previously which made me a little sad.

I would really like to make some changes in the next few years and wonder how those of you older and wiser may be able to advise.

Cool thread. I'm 42 and would also like the wisdom!

I'd like to change my weight and fitness over the year and also look at retraining. I'm wondering about training as a paramedic. I like my field- mental health- but I want to be a bit more crisis focused.

I was only thinking earlier that I needed to brainstorm a five year plan.

In my 50s. I would say to my 43 year old self : trust your instincts & don’t listen to what other people think is right for you.
Lose the weight and get into the gym, you will love it.
Make that career change now rather than in 6 years, you will love that too.
And get yourself a dog. Best thing ever.

JamMaking WannaBe - yes I thought there would be loads of replies.

I am trying to lose the weight - it's boring but being fat is boring-er.
Dreamers - what career change did you go from/to?