Comfortable with Me

Dear Younger Self,

You are sitting at home looking out the window, wondering why you feel different from everyone else. Other kids appear to be wiser, freer, and they live much better than you do.

Schoolwork and tests are tedious for you to accomplish. No, not another math problem to solve! Do I really have to read this paragraph out loud to the class! You have a difficult time comprehending reading assignments and paying attention in class. Your mind is constantly wandering and you love daydreaming. It’s your escape from the world that you know.

No, you can’t play with the “cool kids”. They dress better than you. They live in much nicer neighbors than you. Just stay to yourself, keep quiet, and keep your head down. Just keep telling yourself that you will be someone one day and accomplish big things in life.

Younger self, find that inspiration within you. Find that passion that only you can excel in. Run that ball like no one else can on the field. Look-up to that mentor, yes, your Mother. Your single parent mother who was able to keep the rent paid, food on the table, lights on and gifts under the tree when money was extremely tight. She was able to keep you off the streets by finding your special interest in playing football. Oh, by the way, the great meals your Mom made that you thought were awesome, she made them from what we only had left over in the refrigerator and in the cabinet.

Younger self, strive for better! You are smart; you are going places in life. Yes, young man, you are different and there is nothing wrong with being different from everyone else. You are unique. You will bring brightness into this world that is different from everyone else light. Travel. Travel the world to learn about different cultures and meet people will all types of backgrounds and opinions. There is so much out there for you to experience.

Younger self, this next piece of advice is important. Pay attention. You will fail!  I will repeat. You will fail. Failure is where you will learn from your mistakes and you will be able to help someone else with the wisdom you have gain from your failures. This is where your character will be born.

And finally, you will be comfortable with your uniqueness. Go ahead and just be you.

Sincerely,

Your closest friend,

Your Young Adult Self