I've recently read a book called What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self edited by Ellyn Spragins. The moment I picked up the book and started reading I was entranced at all of the basic guidance that comes from each letter written to the younger self. Basic guidance that we wished we knew then but didn't. Or that someone expressed to us, but we dismissed. In a nutshell, I was inspired to write my own letter to my younger self. I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in that book - not just because I was able to write my younger self a letter, but because the guidance also serves as a reminder to my present self.
Yes, I know some will read this and think "Um, how old are you???" And to answer that question - I'm not as young as I may appear but I am also not so old that I can't have a younger self. Everyone has a younger self, wouldn't you agree?
Dear Chips,
At the moment you feel like the world has just ended and there is no point in continuing school or work. But stick with it because when you get even just a little bit older – not even five more years – you will begin to see how everything ties in to all of the pain and anger that you’re currently feeling. Don’t be so mad at the friends who tell you that “everything will be okay.” They all have your best interest in mind and even if that takes a little bit of false hope, you will be fine and everything will be okay in time – you never were very good at practicing patience. Just breathe.
As for school and work, no matter how pointless it seems right now you will see how important it was for you to experience many of those classes that you just love to skip out on. You think that you will never start your own business because it would be too much work – but believe me when I say you’re going to wish you went to those classes and while there, actually listened. It’s wonderful how you’ve found the subject that excites your mind and keeps you wanting more, but your future will blow you away. You can’t even imagine how amazing and interesting your work will be. And even better, you’re going to love it.
You’re stubbornness and restlessness will get you far and it is through them that you will find the courage to find what you love. Just breathe.
Listen to your heart and don’t dismiss even the smallest ounce of passion for any subject matter. You’ve been blessed with an enormous amount of talent and you’re going to get to use it all. The constant feeling of having your physical body being two steps behind your mind is going to propel your deepest desires and goals. In fact, you feel this way because it will be useful in your future work. And since we’re on it, that doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone else – it just means you’re going to be stubborn and unconventional and creative and still have the energy to do even more. Ironically, it will be learning how to sit still that makes all the difference.
Be proud of who you are, what you’ve done and the person that you are going to grow into. I am.
Good luck with everything and when all else fails, I trust that you’re just the person to try try and try again.
With so much future love,
Chips
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