It's a common tool used in colleges, corporations and counselling settings. The task is to write a letter to your younger self filled with the kind of advice and information you possess as an adult that you simply didn't have as a child. Some find it cathartic, some say it helps provide clarity to situations they encountered, and some say it brings perspective to their life as an adult. It can be used in goal-setting as an individual strives to recall their childhood dreams and ambitions, or it can bring a sense of release for those holding on to childhood hurts and rejections. Although I have never officially taken part in this exercise I have thought about the pieces of advice I would give. So, to my younger self
Don't waste time regretting the things you don't have the ability to do. A teacher is going to tell you that you don't draw well and therefore won't be included in a class presentation. It's okay. She is only one voice in a chorus of people that will be part of your life. If you carry her voice with you too long you won't clearly hear the other voices. Yes, there are things you will be unable to do, but there are going to be surprises along the way and you are going to learn to do things you'd never dream.
Focus less on the numbers and heed the words on your report cards. You will get frustrated at times that no matter the effort you put in there will be people that will get better grades. It's okay. The comments the teachers take time to make about you hold greater value and will be a clearer indication of what is in store.
The opportunity to take part in sports-from t-ball to fastball-will mean being instructed by a unique collection of coaches. Some you will like. Some you will dislike. It's okay. Refrain from complaining or saying disparaging remarks about these fine people. They are unselfishly spending hours each week as community volunteers to give you and your teammates opportunities to do more than play the game. You will learn how to deal with pressure and how to handle the outcome. One coach in particular will stress how important proper preparation is and he will have you workhardon the foundation of the game, the fundamentals and how important it is to take care of the ordinary things on the field of play so that you can achieve the extraordinary. That lesson will take you way beyond the ball diamond.
There is so much more to say; all kinds of things about family, friendsand even food. I wish you would have listened and tried eating more broccoli earlier in life. Your future husband is going to make the most delicious stir fry and you're going to love the broccoli it contains. But that, like everything else, is something you will learn in time. Because no matter how easy it might be to look back and see these things, you will discover them as you grow and mature and as you are ready to take the lessons to heart.
Because you're going to be okay. You will stumblemany times. But look around and take the outstretched hand of people who will help you get back on your feet. There will be obstacles and heartache which I am not going to tell you about. You're not ready yet. But you will be-when the time comes-even though it may not feel like it in the moment. Again, look around and recognize the strength in the people who will walk through it with you.
But you know this already because you are aware of the tremendous blessing you have in a mother who is teaching you all these things. That blessing will become more and more meaningful each and every day as you grow. She is helping you to walk confidently in being the person you are meant to be. She is reminding you that your value is not defined by a number on a piece of paper. She is teaching you that things worth having are things worth working for.
So to her and to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, teachers, coaches and women who pour their love, time and wisdom into each of us; we say thank you. From all of our younger selves, and all of us today: Happy Mother's Day. That's my outlook.
