There is no perfect way to do anything, especially raise children. As you move through life, you will learn there are more than a million ways to think about things. There are millions of beliefs and thoughts spoken everyday. Although this letter is being written years before your time, there are a few things I want you to keep in mind. Some I grew up with and most lessons I learned myself. I could probably go on forever.
First, life is too short. Don’t rush your time on this earth. Hold onto your childhood for as long as you can. Being an adult is not all that it’s hyped up to be. I am not even a full adult yet, and I am not having fun. I promise the alphabet will be the easiest thing you will ever have to learn.
Always remember to keep an open mind. This is something that can hold you back from doing a lot of things, going a lot of different places, and meeting great people. Try not to pass judgement on those who you know nothing about. Turn your judgement into curiosity. You never know why someone acts the way they do. Regardless of age, race, gender, or sexuality, you can always learn something new from any person. You will see that with a closed mind, you will not get much out of anything you do or anyone you meet.
It is through the people around us and experiences we go through that we become cultured. Never turn down an opportunity for growth. I learned in my first year of college that I was extremely uncultured and there are many reasons for that. Don’t let the words you grow up hearing be the end all, be all. You will probably wind up being smarter, more open-minded, and far more cultured than I could ever hope to be. Teach me things.
Know that everything happens for a reason. These words have been my motto for quite some time. I won’t ever tell you what to believe or who to believe in, but I will strongly encourage you to understand that the universe has a plan and it’s not up to us to mess with it. You will notice as you go through life that some people will pass through, others will stay longer, while very few remain permanent. As unfortunate as it may sound, you will probably have to learn this by losing someone you thought would be there would be there for a long time. Whether it’s a friendship, a relationship, someone who was supposed to be “family," just know that it wasn’t meant to be. But, also know that person was put in your life for a reason, regardless of the time they were there for. Their purpose may have been to teach you something you wouldn’t have otherwise known, make you stronger, or open your eyes to things you did not see before.
Other times, you may have to be the one to walk away from a situation. You may need to be the person who has to cut the rope before anyone else is willing to do so. As much as you should do for others, and think of others, don’t make the mistake of putting yourself last. You matter just as much as anyone else. Often, by putting ourselves last, we are dimming our own light. Don’t silence yourself for the benefit of any one else. You weren’t put on this earth to make someone else’s life easier, but you were put here to be great. The best gratification comes from the things you do for yourself.
Finally, you should always do things that scare you. Stepping out of your comfort zone will benefit you more than you would think. Listening to your heart is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding things in the world.
“Every risk is worth taking as long as it’s for a good cause and contributes to a good life.” (Anonymous)
