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A Letter to My Younger Self

A recent conversation with a girlfriend led down that oft traveled road of "If I knew then what I know now". Of course hindsight is 20/20 but I started to wonder if I could go back and give myself advice or guidance to help navigate the pitfalls to come, what would I say? After careful consideration, this is what I'd say:

Let's see, I'm sure I would stress the importance of middle school education. I would have to advise myself to least try a little harder to conquer long division and multiplying fractions, because with four kids and their ridiculously confusing homework, Mr. Tang my Math Teacher is clearly having the last laugh.

I would have paid attention to high-school sports a bit more. You'd think as a cheerleader, I might have paid attention to the sports I supported, than maybe I could comment intelligently to my son and nephew about their performances on the field instead of clapping when everyone else does and whispering to my hubby "What just happened?"

I would definitely advise against both attempts at that Halle Berry cut. Instead of a sexy pixie look, I resembled Woody Wood Pecker. And no I will NEVER post a picture of that, they have all been destroyed. I hope....

After a good laugh my friend did agree these tidbits would be helpful to my youngerself. But she wondered what about the big stuff,the huge disasters, big life choices that went all wrong. She was surprised I wouldn't warn myself about those upcomng minefields. But I stand by my choice.

If I hadn't made terrible career choices or had failed ventures, how would I know for sure, that this career,as a writer, is what I was mean to do?

If I hadn't lost some very close friends to gossip, betrayal, distance and even death, how would I know to cherish the ones I have left?

If I hadn't had horrible dysfunctional relationships,with the wrong guys, how would I know to hold on for dear life to the right one?

Every mistake or wrong choice or badly timed event in my life has put me on the path where I stand now. Every painful failure, set back, delay and wrong turn made me into the woman I am right now today, with this husband, these kids, these dreams, this purpose. Why would I ever want to change any of that?

On second thought, maybe I'd go back and tell my younger self just hold on it's gonna be a hell of ride.



Comments

Anonymous said…
OMG you look like Sydney! I would tell my younger self. STay in college as long as you can. IT gets no better from here.
May 12, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Maggie said…
Great post! Bad haircuts and middle school math - I totally know what you mean!
Cheers,
Maggie
May 14, 2012 at 6:59 PM
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