People Magazine recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary. As part of that celebration, they had celebrities write letters to their younger selves. I always wanted to write something like this and now finally getting around to doing it. While I am not a celebrity, I think the quote "If I Only Knew Then, What I Know Now.." is very applicable here. But having said that there are no regrets. Everything is vessel to get you where you need to be in life.
Read on...
Dear 17 Year Old Chris:
Hey There,
This is an exciting and complex time for you right now. Your life is full of twist and turns and this is only the beginning. Brace yourself for these next 20 years.
Enjoy the ride and don’t rush it, you may think things will be easier for you when you get older and become an adult, and trust me you will love your independence but there is something about this time of your life that needs to be treasured. Believe me there will be plenty of times down the road when you will wish you were back here in this moment. Enjoy the ride and don’t speed it up.
You are dealing with a lot of people right now, you may be mistrusting of some of those around you right now, who claim to call you friend. Unfortunately, that does not change with time. What does change with time however is the ability to discern a little faster who those people are. Looking down the road, you are going to have some friendships that will dissolve over silly things but you will also gain some great friendships that will last a lifetime, they will add joy to your life and you will add joy to theirs, there will be NO QUESTION who those people are.
Family is everything to you and that will continue to be the case. Certain things will happen both good and bad, but hold close to the memories. You have a family like no other.
Right now, you are questioning your nice guy persona, you feel as If the old saying “Nice guys finish last.” Is true. I’m here to tell you they don’t. Keep being a nice guy; keep being a gentleman despite what others say about you. There will be great rewards for you. Also remember nice does not = pushover or weak. Don’t change that about yourself. People do honor and admire that about you. They may not always show it, but you will feel the love when you need it. Don't take things so personal, that will be a struggle for you. Don't internalize other people's moods, egos, and other baggage. Its often about something they are dealing with. As time passes, you will get better at it though.
God has you now and will continue to have you. Always look to him for strength. You will fall and get up, fall and get up. You may feel alone but the hand of God is always on you despite some of the things you will do. Always keep God first; there will be many rewards if you do.
You may not know it now, but each situation, day that you have lived up to this point is preparing you for your future career. You will have a few different careers and each will seem like that is the right fit. Know that a lot of things in your life will be for a season and then you move on. It’s all part of a bigger story in which you will enjoy your greatest success. Hang in there and don’t be discouraged when certain choices, certain paths do not work out even though it seems as if they should you are going where you need to go.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to dream, step out on faith, and listen to God. When he says, “move”. It will take you where you always wanted to go. Don’t get comfortable where you are because he has another area for you, your dreams will come true there. Your reality will include things right now that you are only dreaming of. Your destiny is being fulfilled. Your dreams are coming true.
Stay tuned… the best is yet to come
Sincerely,
Chris, Age 37.
