If I knew then what I know now . . . !

In asking the forthcoming question, I'm interested in hearing from these types of transitioners, based mainly on my own transition experiences: Those who transitioned less than healthily one time and are only now learning how to improve the health of their hair; those who began or completed a transition one or more times, then reverted to chemicals (we'll call them yo-yo transitioners); and those who delayed transitioning until now after wanting to for a long time. I fall into at least two, and probably all three, of these groups.

Some things I wish I knew before that I've since learned:
1. Patience is more than a virtue; it, along with a hard head and a thick skin, is essential.
2. It wasn't the chemicals that made Jheri-curled and texturized hair grow so well, it was the moisture.
3. Your hair does not recognize the "positive" reasons for you doing something negative to it; it just responds badly.
4. It is generally not a good idea for you to take styling cues from people who don't live with you, especially when doing the opposite is already working for you.

If I knew then what I know now:
1. I would have only needed to transition once, because I would have known how to nourish, groom, and appreciate my hair. I'd probably have a lot more of it now.
2. I'd have worn a lot more protective styles such as braids and, perhaps, even wigs when I went home on visits. More than my hair would have benefitted.
3. I'd have had fewer product throw-outs, and I'd have less unused hair hardware stored in my linen closet.

What would be different for you if you knew then what you know now?