Dear Younger Me,
We have experienced an interesting 35 years, so far. There is much I want to share with you.
Life will change, and sometimes unexpectedly. Be open to all kinds of change, because these new experiences will enrich your soul and broaden your horizon. At times, you will experience pain, hardship, hate, and injustice. Do not let these experiences make you angry or bitter. Never complain or feel sorry for yourself. Adversity will make you stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Embrace it as a necessary part of your journey.
There will be many times when you need guidance but won’t have anybody around to show you the way. During these times, trust your instincts and lean on your values. Honesty, integrity, kindness, respect, patience, and courage; these ideals will provide you with strength and direction in darkest of times.
Be brave. Face your fears. Seek out opportunities to conquer them. You will gain confidence and cultivate self-respect. You become powerful once you realize that fear is, and always has been, an illusion.
Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. Never let another person’s opinion make you feel as if you are not enough. If friends mistreat you, or put you down, they are not your friends. Don’t remain in a toxic situation simply because you want to feel accepted. It will destroy your self-esteem and turn you into someone you don’t want to be. Love yourself enough to walk away.
Life is too short not to live for the approval of others. Create your own path. Trust your inner voice. If something brings you joy and fulfillment, then pursue it. The Universe speaks to us through the passions within our hearts.
It is okay to feel strong emotions; that is part of being human. It is not okay to allow these emotions to influence bad decisions. You will suffer much unnecessary hardship until you realize this.
It’s okay to have big dreams, but big dreams are aimless if your daily habits aren’t aligned with them. The truth is that life is an extended series of small, daily chores. These small decisions add up to define you in the end. These small decisions add up to define you in the end. Learn to make good small choices.
Be teachable. Learn from those who know more than you. Be patient and loving when instructing those who can learn from you. Don’t ever allow yourself to become arrogant. Personal growth is not a competition.
You can’t make anybody love you, not friends, lovers, or family. Holding on will hurt you for more than simply letting go. Learn to let go. Love will find you when you are ready.
Finally, there will be days when you want to give up. I know how it will feel because, I’ve been there, myself. But if I can you one single piece of advice above all others, it is this: Never, ever, ever give up.
I see you and I love you.
Sincerely,
Older You