I built myself a time machine,

But not to see the past.

I ventured to the future,

With questions I had amassed.

I sought my older self to ask,

"How has your life been?

What things would you change,

If you could live your life again?

"Which mistakes have shaped your path?

Is there a lingering big regret?

Which memories bring you joy?

And which do you wish to forget?"

He offered me a seat,

With a nod and knowing grin.

"There's nothing I would change," he said,

"I would do it all again.

"My mistakes have made me wise.

Regrets inspired me to live better.

The trials and the failures

Taught me not to be a quitter.

"I've felt life's deepest joys,

Because I've known the sorrows.

I've learned not to despair today

Because of all the tomorrows.

"When I was young, like you,

And sat in that same chair,

I didn't quite yet understand

The wisdom I now share.

"So go back home and live your life—

The joys, the highs, the pains.

Follow the voice within your heart,

Not what the world ordains.

"Someday you'll return—

You'll take the long way 'round.

And then you'll have the answers

That today you haven't found.

"And when you sit in my chair,

With a nod and knowing grin,

You'll remember all these words

And repeat them back again."

I rose and thanked my future self,

Then returned to my own time,

To fail, to grow, to live, to learn,

To seek what I shall find.