In Mexico, a 67-year-old American is content with his retirement: These 3 actions I took in my 20s and 30s have brought me immense relief.

In order to shift my focus away from negative memories as a retiree, I have made a resolution for 2024 to recognize and celebrate my past accomplishments.

I am proud of the person I have become because of the many choices I took for granted that turned out to be wise decisions. These decisions have brought me happiness, good fortune, transformative experiences, and valuable skills. While I am not perfect and have some regrets, I am grateful for the person I am today. My younger self played a big role in shaping me into the person I am today.

In my 20s and 30s, I did three things that made me so happy.

1. I reveled in the beauty and abilities of my body

Numerous friends have shared with me their regrets about the time they spent fretting over their bodies. They worried about being overweight or underweight, having large or small breasts, curly or straight hair.

Prior to the current societal pressure on young women to adhere to a specific appearance standard, as well as the use of injections and plastic surgery to attain an unrealistic and false appearance.

I'm glad I was able to embrace my uniquely American body and love it. In my 20s and 30s, I celebrated my curly hair, big smile, strong body, and unrestrained joy of life.

Looking back, I feel fortunate that I was happy with myself during that experience.

2. I learned to cook

Numerous young individuals lack knowledge of cooking and do not possess fundamental kitchen tools to prepare meals at home.

From a farm girl in Missouri, my mother taught me how to cook and bake from scratch. We made layer cakes and Christmas cookies, biscuits and gravy, and chicken noodle soup together in the kitchen.

I received a comprehensive education on the necessary ingredients, methods, and tools for preparing a delectable and nourishing dish for myself.

Understanding food in this way is a valuable skill that expands your culinary horizons and enhances your dining experiences, regardless of how often you cook.

3. I had children and became a mother

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade having kids for anything.

Significant challenges have been faced for many years, including tantrums, toilet training, and math and science homework that were not within my expertise. Additionally, there are larger and existential concerns, such as worrying about their safety in a world that can be chaotic.

I have never experienced love like the kind I have for my children, and now I get to witness them grow into amazing individuals with their own lives. I feel fortunate because they have also become my friends.

My advice for individuals in their 20s and 30s is to embrace self-love. Accept yourself unconditionally and let go of self-judgment. Allow yourself to fully experience life without restriction.

Be mindful of others' expectations, but prioritize your own growth and self-compassion.

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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