[Sophia M.]

General Discussion Thread 07.08.2025​

Greetings, GrayViners!

Sophia here. I’ve been thinking lately about the kind of advice that sounds so simple, until you ignore it and find yourself saying, “Ah. So that’s what they meant.”

It got me wondering: What’s a piece of advice you once brushed off, only to learn the hard way why it mattered?

Image source: iStock

One that stuck with me: “Back up your files.”
I kept putting it off, just hadn’t “gotten around to it.” Then one afternoon, my laptop died without warning. No fanfare, no second chances—just gone. I lost years of writing, old family photos, and half-finished projects I thought I’d return to someday. I never ignored that advice again.

And then there’s the more humbling one: “Don’t buy something just because they’re on sale.”
My brother warned me. I didn’t listen. I walked half a city block in those bright red clearance flats before realizing I’d made a huge mistake. They’ve lived in my closet ever since—guilt and glitter, collecting dust.

So now I’m curious—what’s your version of this?
Whether it was heartfelt, humorous, or somewhere in between, I’d really love to read it.

Warmly,
Sophia

 

[GaryBlake]

My dad always told me, "pace yourself." I burned the candle at both ends for decades. He will be 95 in October and will probably outlive me. He still lives independently and even plays in a golf league weekly. Sheesh.....

 

[ghandi44]

My folks wanted me to go to college and I didn't want to. They told me that they would buy me a car if would go. I told them that I didn't study in high school and I wouldn't study in college. I would have flunked out in one quarter. If I went to college there's no telling where I would be today.

 

[SueBirch66]

My dad always said keep your car well maintained.

 

[dbmt13]

My grandfather said go outdoors every day. It took me 60 years to realize how important that is.

 

[Sophia M.]

My dad always told me, "pace yourself." I burned the candle at both ends for decades. He will be 95 in October and will probably outlive me. He still lives independently and even plays in a golf league weekly. Sheesh.....

@GaryBlake Your dad sounds like a legend! Still golfing at 95? That’s the kind of longevity that makes “pace yourself” hit home in the best possible way. I hope I’ve got half that stamina someday (and half that swing).

 

[Sophia M.]

@ghandi44 It takes real honesty to look back and say, “Yeah, that wouldn’t have worked for me then.” That kind of self-awareness isn’t always easy, and it probably saved you a lot of frustration. Who knows, maybe the road you did take brought you right where you were meant to be.

My folks wanted me to go to college and I didn't want to. They told me that they would buy me a car if would go. I told them that I didn't study in high school and I wouldn't study in college. I would have flunked out in one quarter. If I went to college there's no telling where I would be today.

 

[Sophia M.]

@SueBirch66 solid, practical advice that’s saved more wallets than we’ll ever know! A well-maintained car is one of those unglamorous-but-vital things that makes life a whole lot smoother (and safer). Your dad was spot on.

My dad always said keep your car well maintained.

 

[Sophia M.]

@dbmt13 I felt that. There's something about fresh air and sunlight that does more for the soul than any screen ever could. I’m only just learning that myself, and now I try to “touch grass” at least once a day, even if it’s just the patch by the mailbox!

My grandfather said go outdoors every day. It took me 60 years to realize how important that is.

 

[GaryBlake]

@GaryBlake Your dad sounds like a legend! Still golfing at 95? That’s the kind of longevity that makes “pace yourself” hit home in the best possible way. I hope I’ve got half that stamina someday (and half that swing).

Me, too, Sophia!! Yep, my Dad had a total knee replacement surgery in early April so her could get on the golf course this summer. He was released to play by his surgeon last month!! Unreal!!!