What Would You Write To Your Younger Self?

I was browsing over my previous blog posts when I found one that I wrote more than a decade ago.

The blog post was about a letter I wrote for my younger self (supposedly for my teenage self when I was still in high school). It was interesting because as I look back now, I’d agree that I have worried then about many things I shouldn’t be worried about.

I then realized that I may just be as worried now as I was then about the future. Could it be that the things that I worry about today wouldn’t matter much also in the years to come?

I can’t help but think about what my older self would write to me today. What nuggets of wisdom would I learn from someone who has lived a decade older than me?

On a related theme, I remember one of the recent Korean series I’ve watched titled “Sisyphus”. In that series where our future world had been devastated by war, Seo-Hae found a diary written to her by her older self. In that diary, she found out how she could stop the world from being destroyed if she could only save one person.

In reality, however, we can’t go back to the past. But we can learn from what we have learned so far in life.

How about you? If you were given the chance to write to your younger self, what would you write about?

Below was the letter I wrote to my high school self:

Don't study too hard. And don't be so anxious keeping that scholarship. You're going to pass with flying colors. You're even going to top your class in college and graduate with the highest honors.

Even if you don't study so hard now, you'd still be able to make it. You'll find yourself a stable job and be able to support your family.

There are other things in life you need to learn more than the lessons taught at school - things about yourself, your own powers, your own beauty. You are special and loved. Let none convince you otherwise.

At this time in your life, you'd have met a loyal friend whose friendship you will enjoy for the next 20 years. After about five years, you'll meet another one who will be like a soul sister to you when the time comes. You will have true friends from whom you can learn much. Never ever think that you are alone.

Spend more time with your grandpa. Memorize his laughter, his strong yet gentle touch, the way he looks at you like a dear child. His fatherly love will be a great fountain of warmth you'd always go back to when times become hard and wearisome.

Try to understand your daddy more. He loves you, you know? Even if he can't show it yet as clearly. There will be a time when you're going to feel his protection and care for you. Try to catch a smile from his face. Remember it well when you do.

Don't be so hard on yourself when you make mistakes.

We're only human after all. And God loves you just the same. God requires nothing from you. He doesn't need you obeying rules just for the sake of obeying them. He just wants you to be happy and to have a meaningful life.

You are going to travel to far and wonderful places.

You are going to be in touch with many people and you are going to give them hope. So keep your hopes up. Smile. Everything's going to be just fine.

Enjoy your youth. Welcome your doubts but be not afraid.

You're in a most precious phase of your life. Make more friends. Laugh more often. Play as much as you could possibly enjoy. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Let your today be a vessel of joy you hold within your heart.

“If you ever need someone to listen or to pray for you, you can write to me as a subscriber simply by replying to your ‘Welcome’ email or to your succeeding Newsletters from me. You are not alone. (Note: By writing, you give me permission to publish your letter. You may want to use an alias or a pen name. )” - Joyce