We asked people from Portland and beyond for the guidance they’d give their younger selves. Here's what they told us: 

“Once I learned to fearlessly and fully love myself—sometimes with some hiccups—I was able to show that love towards other people. So I’d say be a little more fearless, a little more bold.” —Peter Corduan, 64, retired analyst for industrial wastewater management, Portland

“Disagreements are not really disagreements; you’re just looking at it from different angles.” —Ural Thomas, 84, soul performer, Portland

“I would tell my younger self not to take myself so seriously.” —Paul Iarrobino, 61, storyteller, Portland

“Listening to your heart and being true to who you really are is the greatest gift you can ever receive.” —Stacey Rice, 66, diversity and inclusion consultant, Portland 

“It’s good to try new things, even if you’re a little hesitant or feeling a little fearful of it.”  —Carolyn Waissman, 79, wildlife photographer, Sunriver

“When I was younger and heard my mother talking to an old friend about death and health problems, I thought, ‘That’ll never be me.’ But if you remain friends with someone for 40 years, you want to listen and help, and you’re into the stage of life where things go on that are uncomfortable. I should’ve said, ‘That better be me.’” —Andrea Carlisle, 79, writer, Portland

“Do stuff with low impact on your joints, and no destruction. Every person I know that rides bikes has gotten into an accident. So that’s why he’s in a kayak and I’m on a paddleboard. If we fall, we go into the water.” —Judith Rizzio, 69, stylist, Portland

“Being married is just like a job. It is. You should talk—always talk—and never go to bed angry.” —Rosie Thomas, 81, great-grandmother, married 38 years, Portland

“Just do good hard work and be honest with people.” —Dan Estremado, 72, contract logger, Gold Hill

“You are not alone. Look around: While there aren’t a lot of people like you, there are some. They are OK, and so are you. They likely will be just as scared as you are, so be tender with their heart—and yours.” —Rick Coates, 70, retired computer engineer, Portland 

This story is part of our Wisdom feature. Jump to a story:

Secrets of Our Wisest Portlanders / The 50-Year Portland Friendship / Is Portland a Good Place to Retire To? / The Portland Art Gallery Where Age Is an Asset / How Much Does Living in a Senior Community Cost in Portland? / Lifestyles of the Happy and Gray / Can Third-Act Careers Work Out?