Be Patient. Be Optimistic. And Clean Your Room. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Be Patient. Be Optimistic. And Clean Your Room.

A letter to my younger self.

58
Be Patient. Be Optimistic. And Clean Your Room.
Michaela Dannenbrink

Dear Younger Self,

A while I back, I would have wanted to tell you all the things you're doing wrong and how to fix them, but recently I've learned that just as with everyone else, it is important to be merciful and patient. So instead of being depreciating I will kind. Instead of laughing at you, I will respect the things you have learned and urge you to keep learning.

You are going through some hard stuff right now, and sure you have made some mistakes, but don't let that discourage you. You will learn from them. I cannot promise you that life won't be hard because that would be a lie, and it's important to be honest--with yourself as well as others. However, there is one thing I can promise you. Those things that are making your life miserable will soon become smaller because you will become stronger.

And while I'm telling you to be honest and realistic, always strive to be the optimist that I know you can be. Start by being more aware of and kind towards others. Don't try to change the world. Try to change yourself. Instead of trying to be a nice person, try to be a kind person. A nice person does things for other people because they want to be loved. A kind person does things for other people because they love them. And remember, be patient in your journey of self-improvement. You were given a lot of assets to work with, but that doesn't mean that you have to work with all of them all at once. You will become exhausted and discouraged quickly. Start with big goals and small steps. It's just like the struggles you're dealing with right now. Soon the huge goal you are trying to achieve will seem smaller. Because you will be stronger.

You have big dreams and an optimistic heart. Don't hurt them by being disparaging. Be merciful. Have good thoughts. Don't give up. And if things don't turn out the way you want them too, know this. They're going to be even better than you ever could've dreamed because it's impossible for our human minds to plan, much less comprehend, the great Plan. So in the meantime, don't worry about what you don't have control over. Always try to do the right thing in the moment--it will pay off.

Keep getting good grades, stay in contact with the people who help you to be a better person, keep reading the books that bring you joy, don't exchange your appreciation of good food for diets that make you discontent, spend a little less time on the internet and a little more time with your family, keep looking for the humorous side of things, and last but not least, remember that simplicity and organization are under-rated. Sorry, to tell you this, but you're always going to have a bit of trouble with that. Sorry. Speaking of which, I'd better go clean my room.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

532528
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

415625
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments