Yourself now vs. 18 year old you.

[an anarchist]

I am curious how you were when you were 18. Can you compare your beliefs, ideologies, and general tone and behavior as compared to how you are and believe now? I think it would be interesting to read. I am “only” 26, but I am way way different now than I was when I was 18.

In job interviews, they ask if they can call my job from when I was 18 years old and I’m like “NO!” And I reason with them I was a young immature chap compared to myself 8 years later. So I don’t want them to judge me based on how I was 8 years ago. So that’s why this thread came to mind.

1. My religious beliefs: I was the most hardcore Christian there was. I was even entering my fourth year as a Sunday school teacher, and I started my first college Bible course. Was on my way to be a Pastor. Now I am very not Christian. My beliefs fluctuate greatly but they are anything but Christian.

2. My political beliefs: I was still a statist. I had recently went from being a hardcore Republican to a Libertarian. I voted for the 2016 Libertarian presidential candidate and was even the secretary of the local Libertarian Party. Was gonna do good from within the government ya know? I obviously believe in anarchism now.

3. My outlook: Optimistic. I was trying to be a rockstar. “Just one more year till I make it big” I really believed. Was married and had lots of friends and money and nice house and everything was going just right. Till it wasn’t.

4. Behavior: complete wild, unhinged, and volatile. People were scared of me. I’m a much more timid and calm man now, though, lots of work still needs to be done.

So, what about you? How have you changed over the years?

 

[JustGeorge]

I am curious how you were when you were 18. Can you compare your beliefs, ideologies, and general tone and behavior as compared to how you are and believe now? I think it would be interesting to read. I am “only” 26, but I am way way different now than I was when I was 18.

In job interviews, they ask if they can call my job from when I was 18 years old and I’m like “NO!” And I reason with them I was a young immature chap compared to myself 8 years later. So I don’t want them to judge me based on how I was 8 years ago. So that’s why this thread came to mind.

1. My religious beliefs: I was the most hardcore Christian there was. I was even entering my fourth year as a Sunday school teacher, and I started my first college Bible course. Was on my way to be a Pastor. Now I am very not Christian. My beliefs fluctuate greatly but they are anything but Christian.

2. My political beliefs: I was still a statist. I had recently went from being a hardcore Republican to a Libertarian. I voted for the 2016 Libertarian presidential candidate and was even the secretary of the local Libertarian Party. Was gonna do good from within the government ya know? I obviously believe in anarchism now.

3. My outlook: Optimistic. I was trying to be a rockstar. “Just one more year till I make it big” I really believed. Was married and had lots of friends and money and nice house and everything was going just right. Till it wasn’t.

4. Behavior: complete wild, unhinged, and volatile. People were scared of me. I’m a much more timid and calm man now, though, lots of work still needs to be done.

So, what about you? How have you changed over the years?

Hm. Well, I'm 40 now.

1. My religious beliefs: I was Pagan back then. I can't say I left those beliefs behind, I merely added my Hindu beliefs.

2. My political beliefs have changed none.

3. My outlook reverted back to pessimism. I was pessimistic at 18. I spent some time in increasing optimism, and am becoming quite a pessimist again.

4. I had severe anxiety, and was quite shy. Not anymore. I was perhaps a little more idealistic and judgemental when people didn't live up to what I thought they should. I'm more accepting of mistakes of my own and of others now. I used to hold more in, but was open to friendships with anyone. Now I let it all out, but refrain from closeness unless I am certain the person will be a good friend.

 

[Estro Felino]

1. I was a Christian in crisis, and I wanted to be free from judgment and live a nicer life...with a boyfriend, who I had never had yet.
2. Centrist... I hadn't studied socialism yet. Then I became a socialist.
3. My outlook: pessimistic. I thought life was so difficult and harsh...but then I found strength and self-confidence.
4. Behavior: very refined and less spontaneous. I regret that time, I never used to curse in public or alone...I was so innocent.

A song that reminds me of that time and that epoch. Terrific epoch.

 

[mangalavara]

religious beliefs

At 18, I fluctuated between Pagan and Satanist during the first three to five months. Soon, I developed an interest in world religions. I started researching Judaism before any other religion.

I have been a Hindu for a bit more than three years now.

political beliefs

Back then, I counted myself a libertarian with a lower-case L.

Since living in Korea, I have found myself smoothly moving from 'Just a centrist' to liberal (with a lower-case L) and moderate.

outlook

I was optimistic and firmly believed that anything was possible. Did I act on it? Not really.

I am still an optimist because when I put in some effort, I arrive to something good.

 

[SalixIncendium]

At 18...

Religious Beliefs: Agnostic

Political Beliefs: Same as today

Outlook: Optimistic - Joined the Air Force, got married

Behavior: Outgoing, rebellious, financially irresponsible, impulsive


Now:

Religious Beliefs: I don't really have any beliefs per se. My experiences align with nondual Hinduism.

Political Beliefs: Libertarian

Outlook: Unattached

Behavior: Equanimous

 

[gotti]

When I was 18, I was naïve and nihilistic because I was unhappy and thought my life wouldn't go anywhere and that I was hopeless when the reality was that I was extremely privileged and had opportunities everywhere.

Now, I'm a lot wiser and keen to participate in the world; sadly, my life is pretty much ruined now because of my pessimistic outlook in my youth and I often consider ending it. Only took 18 years to arrive at this.

 

[Debater Slayer]

Religious beliefs: I had recently become irreligious and was anti-religious. Now I mainly care about values and how those manifest in treatment of others rather than whether someone is a theist or atheist or whether they're religious or not. I'm also no longer anti-religious; I'm only against encroachment on others' rights.

I was also a fan of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and the rest of the "Four Horsemen" back then. Over time, I have come to see them largely as purveyors of simplistic misunderstanding and overgeneralization.

Political beliefs: I didn't have many fleshed-out political views back then, although the older I get and the more I read about current and past events and policies, especially in my region, the more critical and skeptical I become of global powers' motives.

I also no longer believe that pure socialism could work out well in practice on a state-wide scale; I think that it has to be mixed with capitalism in order to function effectively and that capitalism has to be mixed with socialism in order to function humanely.

Outlook: At 18, I was quite pessimistic about many things, especially the environment I was in (an ultra-conservative theocracy). Now I strive to base my outlook on the principles of DBT, especially mindfulness and non-judgment. For example, instead of asking myself, "Should I be optimistic or pessimistic about this situation?" I ask, "What is the nature of this situation to the best of my ability to understand it, and how can I navigate it in a healthy and productive way?"

Depending on the situation and its specific circumstances, it could realistically be more likely to end in an undesirable way, or it could be more likely to end in a satisfactory way. As such, both optimism and pessimism will always be off the mark at times and spot on at other times. Non-judgment and lack of expectations can help a lot with avoiding the instances when either outlook is off the mark.

Behavior: I was extremely shy, socially awkward, and non-confrontational at 18. I have since realized that I'm extroverted and that the shyness was due to being in an environment where I barely got to socialize with people. I'm no longer shy; I feel quite comfortable around and with people. I'm still not a big fan of small talk, but not because of any shyness. I have also learned how to confront people and be direct when I need to be.

I only had one friend back then, aside from online friends. Now I have a robust circle of friends.

I'm also much better at emotional regulation, again in part due to practicing DBT, mindfulness, and meditation.

 

[PureX]

Somewhere around that age is when I finally made peace with my Catholic upbringing. I had long before rejected what I had been taught about God and Jesus and so on, but I had not taken the time to work through all that stuff and decide for myself what I thought about it. And it was somewhere around 18 that I did that. And have not changed my mind, much since then.

I basically chose to hold on to the philosophical and ethical aspects of Christianity, but to disregard the mythical and superstitious aspects of it. So that I no longer felt any need to reconcile the latter, or to fight against it (as so many atheists on here seem to want to do). I don't resent being raised Catholic at all. In fact I'm rather grateful. But I am not Catholic now, nor will I ever be. Though I can understand and respect those who are.

 

[bobhikes]

I am curious how you were when you were 18. Can you compare your beliefs, ideologies, and general tone and behavior as compared to how you are and believe now? I think it would be interesting to read. I am “only” 26, but I am way way different now than I was when I was 18.

In job interviews, they ask if they can call my job from when I was 18 years old and I’m like “NO!” And I reason with them I was a young immature chap compared to myself 8 years later. So I don’t want them to judge me based on how I was 8 years ago. So that’s why this thread came to mind.

1. My religious beliefs: I was the most hardcore Christian there was. I was even entering my fourth year as a Sunday school teacher, and I started my first college Bible course. Was on my way to be a Pastor. Now I am very not Christian. My beliefs fluctuate greatly but they are anything but Christian.

2. My political beliefs: I was still a statist. I had recently went from being a hardcore Republican to a Libertarian. I voted for the 2016 Libertarian presidential candidate and was even the secretary of the local Libertarian Party. Was gonna do good from within the government ya know? I obviously believe in anarchism now.

3. My outlook: Optimistic. I was trying to be a rockstar. “Just one more year till I make it big” I really believed. Was married and had lots of friends and money and nice house and everything was going just right. Till it wasn’t.

4. Behavior: complete wild, unhinged, and volatile. People were scared of me. I’m a much more timid and calm man now, though, lots of work still needs to be done.

So, what about you? How have you changed over the years?

59 years now

Religious Beliefs: Searching for meaning at 18 Agnostic best describes me now.
Political Beliefs: Republican donor and ground support at 18 (Reagan Years) now independent moderate
Outlook: Pessimistic with a positive side, Now after a mini-break down and therapy Optimistic.
Behavior: More angry at 18 now much more controlled probably owed to therapy.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I turned 18 in September of 1963.

• I was youthfully radicalizing and recently introduced to the Congress of Racial Equality*.
• I was theologically ignorant and thoughtlessly atheist.
• I was mildly introverted and socially awkward -- I owned a really nice slide rule.

* Nine months later CORE activists Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner were abducted and murdered in Mississippi.

 

[ChristineM]

At 18 i was still coming to terms with atheism from being Christian until age 14. I'd decided i couldn't believe in a god who was so violent and dispassionate. But what to do... it was a long slow process

I was politically similar to now, perhaps a little more left and less green. I think politicians had more honour back then, it was easier to believe what they said.

I'd just moved into a bedsit in the roughest part of Manchester so i could attend uni. Hopefully to learn enough about computers and art to build a career.

I lacked confidence, was naive and timid in crowds.

Now, I'm through yer average, basic atheism and out the other side

Politics meh, still left wing but don't do much about it, i cannot stand liars.

My career in computer art was successful. Living among pimps, prostitutes and drug dealers broadband my street horizons

Now I'm confident though there are still odd situations where i can bottle out. Naive, hell no, and certainly not timid.

 

[Spice]

50 years ago I was still very much like I am now from an outsider's perspective. I was mild mannered, friendly, trusting, with a fun, dry sense of humor, and an air of something lurks inside. The difference today definitely comes from the inside.

Now I'm mild mannered because I've been through a heafty fighting phase and have the permanent bruises to show for it. I let the beast loose and reeled it back in.

I'm friendly with purpose at this age instead of for social etiquette and good manners, though I haven't buried those instilled qualities of a southern lady. I chose them now over the sailor's mouth and the "I dare you" I had adopted during my growing years. LOL

And I'm trusting by instincts rather than by default as I've definitely learned most people wear masks of some size and dimension. At this phase in my life they don't surprise me or take me unawares, so it not so dangerous to see people as they are.

Religiously I've been through the phases of belief with nagging doubt until I reached a peace and calm that doesn't quite fit in any particular box, but suits me to a tee. The journey was worth it, but I'm glad I don't have to do it again. The next one should be just as radiant but with all new adventures. It should be intriguing.

 

[Viker]

I was Laveyan. Heading to or starting university. My mind was set on never being poor or struggling again. So I started to develop a thought process similar to some Ayn Rand character. Determined, ambitious, growing ruthless by the hour. This is how I would wind up in business school instead of law school. I wanted a piece of that big American corporate pie. I started growing fangs and avoiding direct sunlight. I would later get a taste of that pie and promptly vomited.

I was Laveyan. Contemplating joining the Church of Satan. A baby *** hole. All that was good, innocent and well intended were fading away. Didn't matter. I was going to seize what I believed the world owed me. I was also going to get my revenge. (bitter) Sweet vindication. "How dare you treat me like **** you little **** ants! I will get mine and you're gonna get yours!"

I was so full of ****. Glad I chilled out.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

Now I strive to base my outlook on the principles of DBT, especially mindfulness and non-judgment. For example, instead of asking myself, "Should I be optimistic or pessimistic about this situation?" I ask, "What is the nature of this situation to the best of my ability to understand it, and how can I navigate it in a healthy and productive way?"

Depending on the situation and its specific circumstances, it could realistically be more likely to end in an undesirable way, or it could be more likely to end in a satisfactory way. As such, both optimism and pessimism will always be off the mark at times and spot on at other times. Non-judgment and lack of expectations can help a lot with avoiding the instances when either outlook is off the mark.

That's one of the healthiest life outlooks I've ever read.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

Religion: I was somewhere in the middle of coming out of extreme nihilism/physicalism/atheism and entering agnostic spiritual/theistic/pantheism. I don't reflect on my beliefs as often as I used to, but I find sensibilities to both outlooks.

I didn't hold strong political beliefs, leaned liberal though. Now I would say I'm just voting for the one who won't destroy the country, still liberal leaning though.

Outlook: Was very pessimistic at 18 but starting to become more optimistic. I would consider myself an optimist/realist nowadays; for the most part I understand the future is unpredictable but my hope drives my ambitions.

Behavior: I was quite wild and self destructive back then, I have become very future-minded now. I've had social anxiety all of my life including today, but it has changed form: I would say I've become less carefree but more confident in my decisions.