Dear You,
You are simply 5 years old, dressed in a Winnie the Pooh t-shirt and matching purple shorts, and you find magic everywhere you look. Your little mind anticipates Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, daydreams about Prince Charming sweeping you off your feet and wonders what it would be like to be a “big kid.” Your enormous smile radiates innocence and your infectious laughter brings happiness to everyone you meet. You are little but you are invincible. You hear the adults constantly bicker, “Wait until you’re in the real world and you’ll see how hard life is,” and you can’t help, but wonder what happens as you get older. Does the life that you love oh-so much become a burden more than a blessing? As you get older, life does become more difficult -- there’s no doubt about that. However, the adults that are preaching to you fail in reminding you that there is always beauty to be found by those whom seek it. As long as you proceed in your journey in which you strive to recognize the magic within this world, then you will continue to live the marvelous life that you lead.
Dear You,
Upon approaching adolescence, you will begin to lose interest in the hobbies that you’re presently into. You won’t find the urge to play with your Barbie dolls and eventually you’ll forget the name of your Webkinz. You might interpret this change as a loss, but in reality, it is a gain. While your enthusiasm toward certain items and pastimes will cease, an attraction for other hobbies will emerge. The love that you once had for dolls and online interactive games will essentially transfer to writing and singing.
Dear You,
Throughout the entirety of life, you will experience a multitude of emotions. By the time you are 18 years old, you will taste richness in family, spiciness in love and bitterness in heartbreak. While most people let the negative emotions taint their high spirits, I encourage you to not. When the world seems just a little darker than normal, remember to hold onto the light that you once found when you were just an inch over four feet.
Dear You,
Instead of admiring celebrities on Disney Channel, you will begin to focus your attention on your mother and appreciate her ability to make you smile on the worst possible day. You will find inspiration within each hour your father works to provide for his family. You will discover beauty in the way a couple in love gets lost in one another’s eyes, when your best friend rejoices over getting an A on that really hard exam and in the way your baby sister gets excited because "Frozen" is on TV.
Dear You,
Within the next few years and in the several inches that you will grow, you will maintain your hopeful heart and continue to become wide-eyed at the simple, but significant wonders that this beautiful world holds. As you grow older, your fantasies may change, but as of now your fairytale has just begun.
Sincerely,
Your Future Self
