To my younger self
I went to a high school graduation this week.
It was a joyous day. Family, faculty, friends, and students all celebrating this milestone. The ceremony was on time and not overly long. Overall a memorable, special day.
A few members of the faculty and students gave speeches throughout the ceremony. Among all the cliches they inevitably used, there was one that stood out to me: The idea that graduates are now ready for the world.
This is a particularly timely topic for me to reflect on. As a 35 y/o I am precisely at the point in my life where I have exactly doubled my age since my own graduation.
So, was I world-ready at 17? Am I even ready now? I think the answer to me feels like it’s “we’re never ready” or “we’re always ready”. Or maybe it’s “we’re always getting ready”.
Spoiler alert: I am still getting ready.
To try to go deeper I sat down today and I journaled a bunch of little reflections that I would say to younger myself if I could.
I thought I’d share these in the hopes of inspiring you to connect with your younger self. ❤️
To my high-school-graduating self:
It’s ok to not have everything figured out. 🤗
Trust yourself. I have never regretted anything you did. Really. Those cliches, platitudes, inspiring quotes you’re reading are cool but trust me when I say that everything you’re doing has turned out perfect. ( I’m here! ) Just keep going.👌
You are more attractive than you think. 🤩 Seriously, I just saw you on a photo the other day and you looked handsome!
Those mistakes you’re making? Thanks for the lessons. I’m genuinely wiser because of them.
Those really cringy things you did or said? They’re more like funny authentic stories I tell now. I’m proud of us. BTW I’m still cringy sometimes.
It’s ok to feel sad, anxious, and angry. This is both normal and necessary. You’ll soon understand. Let it out. 🫂
I know you’re grieving the loss of her. I know because I still grieve her, but grief evolves and you learn to be more ok with it. She’s still with us. ❤️ 👢
What is grief if not love persevering.
-Vision
Congrats on your academic success! It’s awesome that you accomplished what you set out to do and you‘ll get into a good school. However, remember that you’re loved for who you are and not for the grades. Your self-worth is not tied to your academic nor professional success.
Your girlfriend seems like a very special girl, nice job! 😉
Soon you’ll see Radiohead and the Red Sox and a bunch of other bands live. It’ll be incredible. 🎸⚾️
I know you would be proud of me because I am proud of you.
Thank you for everything.
See you on the next one!
-X