A 67-year-old who moved from the U.S. to Mexico: Although I'm content with my retirement, I deeply regret these 3 actions I took in my 20s.

Since retiring five years ago, I've had ample time to ponder, like most retirees. My relocation from the fast-paced California to the tranquil Mazatlán, Mexico, has allowed me to contemplate what truly matters.

Reflecting on my life at 67, I often ponder if I would have made different choices with the knowledge I possess now. While this reflection may bring about some regrets, it also provides valuable insights that I can utilize to enhance my current life.

Growing older and gaining experience often leads to the acquisition of wisdom. Although I am content with my retirement, I cannot help but reflect on three things I deeply regret doing in my 20s. To help young people cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life, I offer the following advice.

1. Not thinking about the future enough

I never considered my finances when I was younger because my Italian immigrant father expected me to manage a household.

Women were expected to get married and have children. No one taught me about managing money, saving it, or investing it. Despite this, I don't blame my parents because they did the best they could with the resources they had at the time.

If I had followed a set career path and saved or invested money 40 years ago, my life would look different now. While I don't believe a person needs $1.2 million to retire comfortably, I can imagine how much better I would feel if I had invested $1,000 or saved $50 a month for 30 years.

It wouldn’t be millions, but it would be something.

2. Not always being in the moment

As a single mother, I can be more forgiving of myself, but I regret not spending more quality time with my three children while they were growing up.

An American aged 67 discusses the reality of retirement, which involves no work and ample free time.

I often felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for so many people, including feeding, cleaning, clothing, and attending to their needs. Perhaps I could have focused more on them as individuals rather than tasks to be completed.

Despite working multiple jobs to make ends meet, I often felt tired, disorganized, and not part of a good team.

I realize now that the daily grind was driven by an illusion. We had a home, food, a supportive community, and our basic needs met. We were generally content, and my children have turned out to be wonderful people.

The best way to teach your children how to live a fulfilling life is by demonstrating it yourself.

I doubt that my natural abilities and interests would result in a fulfilling and prosperous career.

In the past, the advice to pursue your passions and financial success would follow was not widely given. People may have received guidance from a high school counselor or followed their parents' career paths. Many women, in particular, would often simply get married.

For a period, I didn't engage in either writing or any other job. I struggled in my 20s, attempting various jobs that I believed I would excel at while evading my true passion, writing, because I thought it was not a respectable way to earn a living.

I took community college classes at 35 and got hired as an intern at a daily newspaper, where I excelled. Once I experienced doing what I loved and receiving recognition for it, I knew I couldn't go back. It's never too late to pursue your passion.

I ensured that my children had the opportunity to pursue their passions. Our unique talents are valuable and contribute to the betterment of society when we showcase them.

Since 2006, Janet Blaser, a former journalist from California, has been living in Mazatlán, Mexico and focusing on expat living. Her first book, "Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats," is an Amazon bestseller. You can follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook.

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