Dear younger me,
Whats up young fella? You the man around here I see! Listen man, there’s a few things i want to tell you. I’m older now, so I’ve been around those blocks you’re eye-ing down. I want you to make good decisions. You have a lot within you that’s beginning to brew. Don’t listen to the hype. You are what you are, and what you are not, you’ll never be. Continue to focus on yourself. There will be some expectations of you from peers, close family, and even those who just know of you.
You’re known to be the good guy. No matter what limits are tested, what buttons are pressed, and what hurt you pain through, remain yourself— remain your true self. Don’t change in any moment for the benefit of others. Be more confident. The weight problems you’re so familiar with will work themselves out once you grow into your body how you will. The women will come, the spurts of success, the pleasures of life will all become familiar but remember what and who you came from. Remember who you’re ultimately representing; you are here for God and the last name you carry.
It’s ok to take some more risks. I’ve found that it’s better to be a success seeker rather than a failure avoider. Don’t be a non-risk taker longing to fit in, but keep a persistent urge to break away from cultural and societal norms. Break the barriers. Break through walls of the box you were brought into of the world.
Even though sports have been your livelihood growing up, it may not go as planned in the long run. I know, you don’t really want that to grace your ears, but it’s only the truth. Become involved with some more, step out more, man. The only way to grow is to step out and become exposed to even more information. You’ll want to be well-rounded and that only is harvested through exposure to separate perspectives, cultures, languages, and people in general than what you’re already used to.
You have so much harnessed in you to be great in this life…
I want to tell you what I feel like is the most important thing for you while you continue to grow. Don’t seek out happiness. Listen to this, happiness has to ensue. Meaning it has to find you and fit into the receptive, unfulfilled presence of your heart. But don’t go searching for it. Instead, search for meaning. Purpose. Destiny. These are the only things that matter in this life. You’ll be fine. Continue to be you, and you will be just fine; through it all.
P.S. You’ll get through 100% of you worse days. I know this.
