If If could go back in time and tell myself one thing…

We all wish we could go back in time and give ourselves advice at particular times in our lives.

As we get older our outlook on life changes and there’s no doubt we gain very valuable wisdom could have used when we were younger.

I asked myself what advice I’d have given myself from before adulthood to age 23 (now that I’m 25). I also asked the advice of several people whom I admire who are a few steps ahead of me in their journeys to see what knowledge they’d share with a younger version of themselves.

Here’s advice offered specifically for people at every age and age bracket between 18 and 90. Some suggestions may apply and resonate with you more than others.

Though the advisors below have all lived very different lives and followed certain paths, one message remains consistent between them: life is precious, and you must appreciate every moment.

18 and under: Life may seem dramatic, but believe me when I say that few of your problems now continue to stress you in the future. Ignore rude comments and people and stay positive, because painful scars don’t hurt forever, but the emotional damage they do can last a lifetime if you let it get to you. – Lala

19-20: You think you’re growing up and can’t wait to “get your life started. Remember instead that your University/college days are your last chance to act like a silly kid and get away with it. Treasure these times, but make sure you don’t make any mistakes that could take you on a path you never intended. -Lala

21: This is the “what am I doing with my life” year. You’re now legal to go and party in Las Vegas, yet most of us who are well into ours 20s have still never been. We feel more freedom at this age as we liberate ourselves from education and start to take on responsibilities as a functioning adult. The freedom can sometimes be overwhelming, but when you have a task you can’t manage, appreciate that you have your parents and family to help. -Lala

22: Twenty-two is basically 21 part 2, except you notice more of your friends settling down, with jobs and relationships and you get tempted to do the same. DO NOT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN YOU DREAMED OF. So many people live ordinary lives because they fear what will happen if their dreams become reality. -Lala

23: Everyone tells you that you’re still so young, yet you already feel so old. You still have so much more left of your youth…if you want it. Organise yourself, set goals, and try to gain as much experience in the professional world and your personal life which will carry you through your twenties. – Lala.

24: “I think the two biggest things I wish I knew younger, that I think a lot of younger males go through, is the fear of failure, and listening to people who say you can’t do something. You need to take risks in order to get ahead in life, and you need to believe that you can actually succeed at those risks,” Brent Robic, 28

25: “Make time for the people closest to you. Show your family and friends you care about them. Surround yourself with positive people who will bring you up, and cut ties with any negativity that will bring you down. Do what you enjoy and love! Life is short so don’t take anything for granted” – Alan Cunningham, 30, Regional Sales Manager

26-27: “My advice is a Ghanaian (Twi) expression: “Eye.” Pronounced “A-Yay.” Literally translated as “It is fine” or everything will be fine. It’s how Ghanaians unfailingly respond to the question, “How are you?” even if they’re badly wounded or poor or hungry or on their deathbed. Meaning: Whatever happens in life, always look at the bright side and be grateful for your life. Any problem is surmountable, so don’t be afraid to admit defeat and simply move on.” – Diandra Jones, 36, Dance Instructor & Certified Dance and English Teacher

28-29: “Life still has plenty to teach as it’s a never-ending journey. It’s not about the past or the future. It’s about learning appreciation and gratitude for the present moment. Be in the now and love life.” Stephen L France, 31, Editor

30-35: “From time to time, pause, take a step back and look to see if what you are doing is really what you want to be doing. Sometimes it is so easy to go with the flow, or get caught up in the moment that you lose visibility of what is important.” – John Steel, 46

35-40: “Don’t settle down until you’ve experienced enough to know you’re ready! You don’t know love until it’s blasted all over you. Live your life. Travel. See things. Meet people. Eat, taste, and drink. Be inquisitive, not nosy (there’s a difference). Learn the language. Have a fling.” – Christian MacDonald, 41, Mixologist and Bartender.

40-50: Carpe Diem- Seize the day! Live for the moment! Don’t worry about getting older or putting time restrictions on life. Like by 30 I want to be married and by 35 I want to have a baby. Just enjoy life and everything else will follow!” – Jen Malloy, 39, Production Artist

50-60: “Don’t look down a tube of demise and think that there is nothing left for you to accomplish. This is really just the beginning as retirement these days is the time to try all the things you didn’t, couldn’t or wouldn’t do from factors which held you back until this point of your life,” Linda Charley, 61, past Television producer and full-time mother.

60-70: “Time really seems to go by faster than it did when I was in my fifties. Don’t put off anything you want to do or change: goals, travel. Removing negatives and pipe dreams. Do it now because ten years flies by quickly. That actually goes for everyone from 16 to 60. Do it now!!!!” – JB, 66, Vineyard Management, Builder, Developer, Investor

70-80: “Have a go at doing everything you want to, and don’t put things off until tomorrow. Do what you can while you have the health and resources to do it. Value your health and try what you can while you’re still able!” – Ken Hughes, 86, Electrician (Retired)

80+: “Treasure each day even as you get older. It’s never too late to do something new and accomplish new things. I am 94-years-old and I’ve lived a wonderful life and continue to live life to the fullest. I had a wonderful husband and have beautiful children. In my 60s I learned to fly a plane. Embrace your age and never think it should stop you from reaching new heights.” – Louise Wylie, 94