Dear Joey,
This is your future self. Right now, I’m 45-year-old and almost 27 years into a life sentence for murder.
I wish I could be there to help you get outta your own way and navigate around the landmines that are and will be in your path.
Don’t be in a hurry to grow up. Make the most of your youth, it goes by in the blink of an eye. Pay attention in school. Don’t personalize everything. Don’t worry about people who you think are your friends. Learn as much as you can whenever you can. Believe in yourself. All that garbage and negativity people are telling you is just to tear you down. Seek out like-minded, goal-oriented people. Speak up for yourself. You have to make it for yourself.
If you want it bad enough, work hard and fight for it. Don’t wait for it to happen. The world doesn’t meet you halfway. When things don’t work out, don’t be discouraged. Work harder, I can’t express enough that you have to keep pushing forward and stand against the rising of the tide. You have so much talent and endless potential and opportunities.
You’re a good person and I believe in you. I’m not telling you this to tell you what to do or boss you around, I want to help you. Don’t pass up any opportunity to do the right thing and be positive. Not cause you expect anything in return, but because it’s the right thing to do and that’s who you are deep into your heart and soul. Don’t focus on the negatives. Everybody makes mistakes. Just learn from them and always focus on the positives see the good in everything and be grateful. Communicate efficiently, effectively, honestly, and positively. Establish boundaries!
This life I’ve lived didn’t pan out, the way I hoped it would or wanted it to. I wish I knew then where you are right now what I know now. Life isn’t fair, if it was, then kids wouldn’t die of cancer. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. It rains on the just and unjust alike. So, the abuse you’ve endured and violence you’ve seen inflicted on you and others — it’s not your fault. Speak up about it, don’t be afraid. There are people who care and will help you out.
Second chances are few and far between. I can’t emphasize enough to make the most of every opportunity. I know I’m using big words, but I know you understand what I’m saying and what I mean. You’re remarkably intelligent. You’ve always had an extensive vocabulary and comprehension at a high reading level. You’ve been tested for it. I love you little buddy. By the way, you will get taller and the things you don’t like right now, you will eventually come to love and admire.
Well, that’s enough for now. Be strong.
Sincerely,
Joey