Jameela Jamil makes life choices today so her 85-year-old self has no regrets

We’re constantly caught up between living to the fullest because we have one life and taking each life decision wisely to live a long life. Actor, podcaster, activist, and more, Jameela Jamil is clear when it comes to deciding between the two. Speaking with Monica Lewinsky in a podcast, the woman revealed that everything she does comes after a careful consideration of her “85-year-old self.” In the interview shared on February 4, Jamil noted that she is "obsessed" with thinking about her future self and her “deathbed” so she had no regrets at any moment. It’s a “life-altering” perspective many are hopping onto. 

Jamil powerfully stands up for the voiceless, to empower women to be confident in their own skin, reported GLAMOUR. Much of this concept comes from the mindset she has created for her very own life. Starting out, “The Good Place” actor had it tough. Apart from dealing with stereotypes, she was also a victim of bullies and assault, and as a teen, life was havoc for her. So, growing up, she decided she would do everything she could as an apology to her 12-year-old self. She spent years building her identity as a strong, goofy, fierce woman who is unapologetic when it comes to being herself. 

“You know how I told you that everything I do is to atone for my 12-year-old self? Well, I feel I’ve achieved that. I feel I blew all the whistles. So now, everything I do is for the 85-year-old me,” she said. In the conversation with Lewinsky, she revealed how she took her decision-making up a notch. Jamil mentioned that she thinks about her “85-year-old self and my deathbed” before making a decision so she can “make moments last” and have no regrets. Whether it's going out somewhere or putting on an outfit, she first considers how her future self would have wanted her to make these decisions.

“Where would she want me to have this meal? What would she want me to do?” she pointed out. And this ideology is something she relies on even for the bigger life choices. “What would she want me to stand up for? Would she want me to spend time with his person? Would she want me to take that job?” “We’re so encouraged to look back, but women, in particular, are never encouraged to look forward,” Jamil remarked. Lewinsky added that while it’s great that many of us focus on healing our inner child, hopping onto our older version and considering her, too, is a brilliant idea. Jamil added that it’s the best time to focus on her and not ward her off. 

Sharing an instance, the “Legendary” star considered interviews of women in their 80s and 90s. When asked about their regrets or things they’d have done differently, it's usually a relationship, career, or emotional decision that they took without thinking about the coming decades. She pointed out how the older women never regret “having wrinkles” or looking a particular way; it’s more to do with how they lived and what or whom they prioritized. Jamil added that society has long focused on a youthful appearance as a top priority for women, but what needs attention is the quality of life. 

 She shared a caveat with women, “Don’t go down there to see what’s knocking. It’s patriarchy. Stay up and honor your life, body, and health.” A study published by Research Gate over 228 elderly people between the ages of 70 and 90 revealed that the most common regret people have in life is not having done something they wanted to. The next two reasons noted were the death of a loved one and health issues. Those with lower life satisfaction and poorer health reportedly had more regrets than others. Katharine Esty, an aging expert in her 90s, has no regrets and shared tips on how to reach that level of satisfaction with CNBC.

Out of the many tips she shared, one was to live a purposeful life, and another was to keep learning. There’s never an endpoint to living until you decide so. Even at her age, Etsy is actively writing, painting, and dabbling in several other interests to the best of her ability. So live for you. It will reap benefits. @summervillehousewife wrote, "I'm going to start talking to my 85-year-old self. Life-altering.” @haileebear added, “This is so wonderful - absolutely obsessed with this idea.”

You can follow Monica Lewinsky (@monica_lewinsky) on Instagram for more content on lifestyle. 

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