If I had been born into this world with the knowledge and experiences I've gathered today as a viejita, I would have definitely lived my life very differently:
Love and Relationships: Rather than spending time socializing with multitudes of "friends" (many of them who I really didn't care for), I would have spent more time nurturing and deepening my relationship with the few great friends I've had in my life and meeting new ones that add value to my life rather than drain it. I would have spent more time alone with my husband. And, although I love my gringo and my life here in the U.S., I am not sure I would have left my family behind in my native country (Chile).
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Money: I would have wasted less money on meaningless material possessions that I really don't need and spent more on memorable experiences. I would have never bought a house that depletes most of our hard-earned income. The one thing I wouldn't change is getting started early on putting money aside for retirement. I started contributing to my 401K the year that I got my first job.
Health: I should have lost the weight I put on after I had my kids 15 years ago! I would have educated myself on nutrition much earlier on in life. I would have never stopped exercising with the excuse that I had no time. I would have raised my kids with healthier eating habits. I could have had a healthier lifestyle early on yet still have indulged in the heritage foods that make me happy: dulce de leche, lechón, chicharrones.
Career: I would have never let my career take over my personal life the way it did when I first got started. Before my son was diagnosed deaf, my career consumed my life priorities. I would have made work environment and chemistry with my boss a top priority over title and money. I would have put personal and professional growth and the importance of constantly learning at the top on my priorities. Yet I would never change "authenticity" and "staying true to myself" as non-negotiable values.
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