What I Wish I'd Known 20+ Years Ago

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Words of wisdom from alumnae of the 1970's-90's to 2000's-'13, based on our successes, failures, experiences, yearnings and hopes.  I'm indebted to Barbara Laskey Weinreich for regularly hosting this gathering of women and to Karen Berlin Ishii for compiling this wisdom. Please pass it along - and add to it!

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  • Show, don't tell.
  • Know what you can control.
  • Show up! Be double-booked, put more stuff on your calendar than you can possibly do.
  • Use your skills and interests. The more you say it, you become it. Volunteer! Engage!
  • Be your own best advocate. Don't wait for someone to come along and say that you can do it; tell them yourself!
  • Don't be afraid to fail.
  • You can have it all, do it all, be it all – but not all three at once.
  • Just because you are good with people, does not mean you are necessarily a good manager.
  • It's good to feel a little out of your depth; that means you are learning something.
  • Ask people to talk to you. Talk to anyone who'll do so. Ask. Say thank-you.
  • Don't be afraid of men. It helps you understand and learn from them.
  • Take a 6 month "independent study" time off from your career.
  • Change on a dime by putting in a nickel.
  • Go into  a ….  experience.
  • Love yourself and those around you.
  • Ask for help.
  • Be gentle with yourself.
  • Take a leap and don't ever say you can't do that. (the men don't!)
  • Life's short: only do the things you want to do in it. Say "yes" more to hard things you want to do and "no" to those that you don't like.
  • Do something you're motivated in or you'll go crazy.
  • If you believe it can be that awesome, it can be that awesome.
  • Don't be surprised by your successes.
  • There's never a good time to have children - just do it!

 What would you add? Please share....