As we go through Life, there are many Ups and Downs. Things we've done with positive results and things we've done, which each of us have come to regret. So here's a Question, which may be easier for our Older PON Members to answer.

If You Could Travel Back In Time. What Advice Would You Give To Your 21 Year Old Self ?

It can be as long or as short as you like.

As I've asked the Question. I'll Give You My Answer.

You Shouldn't Have Married Her Lad.

This of Course Refers To My First Wife. Not The Present Mrs WBRM.

Interesting subject @Wheelbarrow repair man

I would advise young people leaving school just like myself all those years ago, to concentrate on either their further educational studies, or on a career & stay single for 10 years before thinking of getting a partner or marriage.

I met my first wife at 18 & had a mortgage & child in tow at 20 which is a young age by today's standards. I think the young people of today have it even harder than we did, trying to build a family with the price of housing today.

I do regret getting hitched so early & like you WBRM my first marriage didn't last either.

I would tell myself to take PON more seriously, but not to get caught up in politics or just people being unkind. It's best to focus on what I can offer, rather than what some minority thinks, and just try to keep the community embraced. I also make sure to stress the importance of family time and how holidays can see a relaxed approach to the site during my absence. For years, I had it drilled into me that I need to post x hour or times on social media.

That I had to do this or that on the site usually came at the cost of my spending time with my family while making things work. I love PON; I have learned through my ill health that the site goes on.

I know the start sounds contradictory, but I could have had this in motion in 2006 at the earliest. In 2008, it was a small forum with mostly family and friends; by 2010, it had become more, but I had Sven's encouragement ringing in my ears to take it further. I struggled with the confidence to engage with others, much less distribute flyers. My first attempt at this was back in 2013, when I found myself leaning on my children's enthusiasm for the idea. I truly appreciate the unwavering support of my family throughout this journey.

But from being less serious, to way OTT, to the point where I had to do things on the dot. I know now people do understand, and even now I feel annoyed because I haven't posted much in the past few days; I haven't put x, y, or z on social media. I know there is plenty of understanding and support for what I do.

This community really is everything I've ever wanted from running a site. It means a lot to me, and it has been there for me during some tough times. I know I haven't always put myself out there the way I truly am because of my mental health struggles. But honestly, I've never treated anyone as badly as some folks have treated me when they crossed the line.

On 24/08/2025 at 19:59, Wheelbarrow repair man said:

If You Could Travel Back In Time. What Advice Would You Give To Your 21 Year Old Self ?

I would be too afraid to say anything to that dude. I wouldn't waste my breath :)