Dear My Younger Self

An open letter to my younger self, my nephews, or anyone.

I’m going to go through a bunch of stuff that I’ve noticed in my life. Things that may or may not have happened to me. Things that I’ve observed, and some simple grandiose opinions that I have that carry absolutely no weight other than I’ve decided to say these things on a platform.

You may agree or disagree. That’s your prerogative, this is just my point of view.

The first thing that I want to say is no matter much you think you know, you don’t know shit. You may research topics or sports or history or whatever but aside from a topic or two that you have completely and intricately researched, you’re only going to know that much.

When you realize that you don’t know shit, you’ll become more open minded and that will help you have more discussions and allow you to learn from other people, and quite possibly be a nicer person.

Your social media accounts mean absolutely nothing. Yes, it’s nice to reconnect with old friends from high school or college or old jobs. You may even actually talk to them offline and hang out, but the majority or the people on your lists will become a “like” or a “thumbs up”, or a birthday wish, just as they were someone you passed in the hallway and nodded hello to during school.

Your mother knows everything and does know what’s best. If you think you’re going to sneak one by your mom, you’re not. It’s really up to her whether or not she wants to tell you she knows. Always ask her for advice. She’s going to be your biggest fan and supporter. She won’t steer you in the wrong direction. She gave up her life for you so that you can have a great one, appreciate that and treat her well, especially as you both get older.

Be a great listener. Not only in conversation but in any situation. Listen to how people speak, listen to their problems. Offer advice if they are asking you for it. If you don’t know how to advise them, support them, and let them know that they aren’t alone in whatever they are going through.

Your words are powerful. As powerful as your actions. If you use the words love, and promise, only use them when you truly mean them. Hate is another word you should only use if you mean it, but don’t use it.

Saying “Good Morning” to people is a great way to start a day for both you and them. It shows them you do care and hope that their day is as good as it can possibly be.

Stay away from sugar. It’s the devils vagina of food. It will kill you, not right away but eventually. Especially anything Reese’s! That is the Devil in disguise. I don’t care how old you are, if you eat that stuff it will catch up to you. One day, you’ll suddenly be 40 years old and working out with people who can do handstands and shit and you’ll hate the fact that you can’t do what others can.

Also you’ll have to eat spinach salad all day to counter act all the shitty sugar you’ve put into your body over the years!

Nothing is as bad as it seems. Your head will create ridiculous scenarios about situations that won’t come true. Everything will work out as it’s supposed to. It might not be what you thought, but if you’re alive to live it, it’s the right situation

Be wary in who you trust. I won’t say don’t trust anyone because that would suck, but be careful where your secrets go. If you’re being spoken to by someone about someone else, imagine what they say about you. If you do decide to entrust someone, entrust them completely. Make sure they know that they are you’re confidant, and let them know that they are special for it.

If you’re looking for instant gratification in life it does exist and here is how you get it. Mopping a floor. Vacuuming a carpet. Mowing a lawn. Making your bed. These are things you can do where you’ll immediately see the result. While you’re doing each of those things, take pride in them.

Be humble. No matter how good you are at something, you can always be better. Always strive for more when it comes to things and people you love. Be better at your craft, be a better friend, husband, wife, brother, sister, whatever you are to someone important to you try and be better. Being humble will also allow you to avoid being arrogant.

Lastly and most importantly, understand that most people are shit. I’ve written about this before, but I will say it again: We live in a world where people look out for number one and number one only. People will hurt you and you will hurt them. They will take what they need from you emotionally and only give back enough to ensure they receive what they need from you. Forgive them, forgive yourself and learn from the experiences. DO NOT stoop to their level. Always be the bigger person. You do not have to conform to the common denominator. Be true to you and to others, and don’t allow yourself to be looked at as a shitty person.