A lot of times in life we wonder, What if someone told me what’s to come and how to handle it a little earlier in life? I would have handled it better. Life’s full of surprises (and shocks). No one can tell you what’s to come but being a little prepared can help you go through it gracefully. This letter to my younger self is for myself and for all those young girls who are ready to step into the real world.
Dear Younger Self,
First things first, no matter where you stand right now, your future beholds a spirit that’s unflinchingly graceful, honest, and lovable. You might face a lot of downs than ups, but your strong willpower is what’s going to make you live and learn through everything. You, my dear, are going to make your parents so, so proud. You’ve worn your rose-colored glasses throughout your life. You chose to see the best in people. You grew up to trust and help one and all. You smile at every passerby and wink playfully at kids hoping their smiles would make your day. I couldn’t be more proud of the innocence and purity you carry in your heart.
But, here’s the catch. The world is not what you think it is. The world is not the place you’ve built in your mind. It’s so different that it scares me even now.
Breathe, darling.
Understand the beauty of LOVE, LIFE, AND LAUGHTER
Life is beautiful. Of course, it has its ups and downs. You’ll be ecstatic with joy one day while on the other days, you’ll be left with so much anger and confusion. Take one day at a time. Don’t let it get on your nerves. Your physical and mental health are the topmost priority to help you see the beauty of life. To love and to be loved in equal measures is the best feeling in the world but loving your own self infinitely should always be the topmost priority. Laughter surely is the best medicine and laughing at your own self, your own mistakes and your flaws and learning from them is always better than laughing at someone else.
Understand the parameters of PEOPLE, PLACE, AND PARTNERSHIPS
Start observing more. Learn about people. Trust them but don’t blindly trust them. People are what they show in times of crisis. It’s okay to be readily available for everyone but be available for yourself first. Prioritize yourself. Have a close-knit of people you can trust with your life instead of trying to connect and please one and all. People and places can be deceptive and I’ll always insist you take time to trust. A beautiful and innocent-looking face can turn out to be a monster and a garden full of roses is filled with thorns too. Stead carefully, is all I would say.
Understand the need for REST, RENEWAL, AND REACTIONS
The world’s running at lightning and a frightening speed. Run at your own speed but always aim to run a little faster and when you feel tired learn to rest. Take breaks to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul whenever required. Never, I repeat never do anything that’ll tear you down just to achieve the societal goal. There will be so many eyes prying on everything you do and how you do it and sometimes it helps in striving for success but other times ignorance is always bliss. There will be hurdles along your way and not everything will need your reaction. React only when required otherwise just know your smile is killer and is enough to answer everything.
Understand the importance of TRUTH, THANKFULNESS, AND TRIUMPHS
So the thing with this beautiful world is that a lot of it is fake. Take for instance a huge part of social media and society. I am not pitching you against society but all I am saying is Be truthful – no matter what, no matter even if you have to stand alone – but stand with the truth. It might be difficult to make people understand, it might happen that no one will understand. BUT – Your truth will keep the good person in you alive, your truthfulness will keep your standards high and mighty and there is nothing more beautiful than that. If anyone or anything stands in your light for truth, be thankful. Be thankful to god, and the universe for letting you be so strong and full of morals. Express gratitude and win. That, little one, will be your moment of triumph.
Understand the magic of INTUITIONS, INVOLVEMENT, AND IDENTITY
One thing, as a grown-up I have understood is your Intuitions are your greatest guiding force. Your first mentor. If you feel something is right from the bottom of your heart, go, grab it. But, if you feel that something is off, even slightly, please wait and give it a second thought. Your intuitions guide you in taking the best decision. Involve yourself in everything your heart guides you in – it better be with the best of intentions. Everything you involve yourself in will be the foundation of your unique identity.
Understand the value of SILENCE, SACRIFICE, AND STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF
Now, I know these three would have left you confused. How can you be silent and stand up for yourself? Valid question. Little one, you don’t really have to prove yourself when you are right and you don’t have to speak when you are wrong. Silence is the best answer. If you’re right, your head will be held up high in silence but if you’re wrong your head will be bowed down in shame and regret. Sometimes, it’s okay to be wrong and sometimes it’s okay to sacrifice certain things in order to maintain peace and tranquility but the other times I insist if you think you’ve sacrificed enough and that you’ve nothing more to give stand up for yourself and ask. And if required, demand!
I won’t ask you to understand everything I told you right away. Brush up your life vocabulary with these words and the meaning behind them and I know you’ll win in life. Let nothing hold you back from dreaming and being a good person inside out. Believe in the goodness of your heart and in yourself.
I forgot to mention one important thing. You’ll stumble upon someone wonderful and you’ll want to love him till your last breath I hope you get that love but in case it doesn’t work out, cry, grieve, and then let go. It’ll pain you so much because you might have built your whole life with them as the hero of your story but you can never force someone to stay. But, believe in God and love and you’ll find the man who deserves the beauty that you are and then you’ll laugh at all the tears you shed for crying for someone who didn’t have it in him to be with the goddess that you are.
Love and light,
Your future self