It takes a lifetime of hard-earned lessons to get to where we are today.

But sometimes we wonder, if only we could tell our younger selves what we know now, could we perhaps save ourselves from some emotional or physical distress or better prepare ourselves for the future?

While time travel has yet to become a reality, sharing what we wish we could tell our younger selves can serve to inform others of important life lessons we’ve learned.

Here are some stories Quora users shared, as well as the lessons they can impart on future generations.

Answers have been edited for clarity.

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