Hi there,
Before I start
blabbering, let me warn you about the things I’m going to tell you (don’t
worry, nothing major). Most of it will make you want to roll your eyes and
throw this letter away. Some of it, you might just take it as advice (I’m not
sure about it). Anyways, there are a few things you should know. Few things
that kept you awake the whole night, that made you cry and scream, that made
you angry and drove you crazy. Remember, when you step into my shoes, all of
this - everything - will seem trivial and not worthy of your precious tears.
These are things you’ll wish you knew, life wouldn’t have seemed to be such a
big burden on your delicate shoulders. So, brace yourself.
There are nights
when you cry yourself to sleep. Maybe because of that girl in school who said
some nasty things about you. Maybe because you found out that the guy you liked
had someone else in his life. Maybe you felt lost and couldn’t see where you
want to be in the next few years. Maybe because you fought with your mom
because she asked you to help her with some household chores. Maybe because you
don’t really think you fit ‘in’ with the gang of friends you have in college,
but losing them breaks your heart. Maybe because you can’t stand the rumors
about you but you have no clue what to do about them. Maybe you’re crushed
under the burden of proving yourself to everyone – family, friends, teachers
and to strangers. People whom you don’t even know exist but you pass by them
every day, pair of eyes who follow your footsteps from the moment you step
inside the college gates to the moment you step out. Maybe because you’re lost
and don’t know how those dreams and wishes would come true.
Take a deep
breath, baby. Calm down. These problems might seem like mountains you’ll never
be able to cross. But I assure you, you will. All you need is time and patience (which I know you're not but what's the harm in trying?). Because
when you look back, you’ll laugh at most of the things you spent hours being
sad about.
Don’t worry
about the nasty things people say to you, let those words not affect you. The guy
who broke your heart isn’t the only guy who will do that. There will be times
when you will, too, break hearts unknowingly or on purpose. But it’s all part
of the game till you find someone you want to hold on to and who holds on to
you too. I shall let you in on a little secret (feel free to tell those who you
think might need to hear the same) you know how you and your friends hope to
meet that perfect person meant for you? Well yeah, you’re not going to bump
into him/her in the college or may neither find him /her seated next to you on
the flight. But don’t lose heart you’ll eventually find that person. Your fights with your mom or dad might seem like a lot now, but believe me when I say they
mean well. They’re the best you can get and all that you’ll ever need, so don’t
hurt them because they love you with everything that they have. Next, the
friends that you worry you’ll lose, let them go. Friends stay no matter what
and if they don’t you’ll have to learn the hard way. Let people talk
whatever they want about you, it’s because they can’t see you grow into a
better person and achieve your dreams. But remember don’t hurt anyone in your
quest to succeed and achieve laurels in life. Take them with you and remember
those who helped you grow. Lastly, don’t worry about proving your worth to
anyone at all. Don’t let other’s opinion about you stop you from doing what
your heart wants.
Follow your
heart, smile a lot, look forward to everything you do and give your best. Take
those chances you’re scared to take, go to places you’ve never been, talk to
people you don’t know and you’ll see life isn’t half as bad as you think it is.
I know you’re 19
and you’re probably rolling your eyes while reading all of this. It may sound
preachy to you (all the wisdom I’ve gained over the years has made me wise,
can’t help it bruh) but I know you’ll thank me later.
Love,
Your 24-year-old
young self.
