Hello Older Me,
First, I want to say you are much bigger than I thought you would be. And much prettier. I’m really glad that the whole acne thing really cleared. Take that (insert bully’s name here)! Also that fact that you can grow a beard (or, at least, something that resembles a beard) is pretty cool. It is kind of relieving to know that I might actually outlive this super awkward phase I’m in. In fact, judging by what I’m seeing, it looks like I will grow up to be pretty cool. I mean, sure I may not enjoy Fallout Boy and dodgeball as much as I do now, but that’s a small price to pay. Looking at the last ten years or so, I think a few things are very clear about your/our life.
You are an overcomer
Man, you have had some really hard times. Like that time you got stood up at prom or when you failed that one class in college. You had to deal with the death of friends and family members. I’m not sure how you made it through Grandma’s funeral without totally losing it. You have had a really rough time, but you are still here. You are still overcoming obstacles, daily. You don’t allow yourself to ever really give up. Every time you are knocked down you pick yourself back up. You are the definition of someone who overcomes hard stuff.
You are loved (a lot)
I know it’s hard to grasp (I struggle with it a lot), but you have tons of people who love and care about you. You may not always think that is the case but it is. Sure you have lonely times, but that’s normal. If you think you are all alone, think back to middle school. I’m so glad you have found friends that love and care about you! I hope you cherish the people who help you feel human because good people are a privilege.
You are really good at being you
You have done a great job of being yourself. You allow yourself to be free and unique, something I’m not too familiar with. I find myself spending my time trying to blend in, trying to be like everyone else. I admire your courage as you step out of your comfort zone and focus on being you. From your major in college to your hipster wolf sweater, you know what makes you, you. Please don’t ever lose that. That is one of the best parts of getting to grow into being you.
You need to laugh more
Remember those times you would laugh for no reason? When you used to say the silliest thing and do dumb things for no real reason? Get back to that person. I think sometimes the world tells us that we have to be serious all the time. But that’s not true. The best moments in your life were when you allowed yourself to laugh. Do sillier and dumber things, it’s good for you. It reminds us that life isn’t all about being serious. Find people that bring the humor out in you. The more you laugh, the more you enjoy.
You are my hero
You are my hero, and I mean it. I look up to you so much I strain my neck. I am so excited to get to be you one day. You may not think much about it, but you are someone worth being. You are smart, funny, kind, courageous, etc. I wish you would realize just how much influence you have. You are so cool in my eyes and many others. Hopefully, one day you will see that you are enough. You are a rock star and I have all your albums. Keep being who you are and keep loving the way you do. You are now and will always be my hero.
Love,
Middle School Me
p.s. I can’t wait for iPads to come out. They are going to be game changers.
