Dear Self,
Wow, you’re 30. Congrats on making it that far (jk, jk.) But it’s me, 21-year-old you. I hope you’re doing well with whatever career path you decided to take, and are on your way (if not already) to having that boujee mansion in the Palisades with a fluffy little dog. If not, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve still got plenty of time for that.
I’m really nervous about the future, because it is so uncertain. I hope, looking back on this letter, you laugh at how silly that is. Remember to always keep a positive mindset in whatever it is you’re doing…it’s hard right now, but I hope by 30 it’ll be an old habit.
Remember to always put yourself first, no matter what. Hopefully you’ll be on your way to achieving some of the goals (or new ones) that I’m setting now, and always remember to keep pushing. 30 isn’t old. I hope you continue to enjoy being young at heart, and remember that working for success is important, but so is you-time.
Please keep going to the gym. If you stopped at some point, please go back.
But also, never turn down a pizza. Never.
Also, if you haven’t invested in a proper corkscrew (WITH a lever), please stop reading this and go to the nearest store and buy one with all that money I’m sure you’re making — because I’m writing this precisely 24 hours after giving myself a bloody nose trying to open a bottle of wine. I know your arm muscles probably won’t develop any more than they are now, (they’re still twings, aren’t they?) and so please, save yourself the trouble. Or just buy bottles with screw caps only.
When it comes to love, whether you’re with the guy you fell for at 18, on to someone new, or a smokin’ single lady, always welcome love with open arms. Continue to look for the good in people. Don’t let your cautious nature deter you. Remember that one of the best things you’ve ever done was jumping into something completely blind. (But also, don’t be dumb. You’re smart enough to know the difference.)
I hope you’re still writing. If not, pick up a pen. I promise you’ll feel something. Never forget the power of creating, of pulling something out of the depths of your mind and forming it into something wonderful. If it gets boring, change your approach. Remember how much music helps you get out of that slump.
Get your oil changed. Knowing you, you’re probably overdue.
Remember to make it a point to make time for yourself, whether that be a relaxing day trip, just for you, getting lost in the mall, or just driving around. Remember to breathe.
But lastly, I hope you’re happy. Peace and happiness are two things that I’m working really, really hard on, and I hope that by 30, I’ll be at a good point. I hope life is fun and you truly love what you do, and if for some reason you don’t, change it. Never forget your own power, and that is that you are the one person that controls your life. Make it good.
Love,
21-year-old you.
