Letter To Me

[IcarusParticipant]

Ok, so I heard this song on the radio, and yeah… it’s kind of cheesy. But, it got me to thinking about things. It’s about a man that is thinking of what he would say to himself if he could write a letter to himself and deliver it to himself when he was seventeen.

So…. naturally…. the only thing that could come of this, for me, anyway, is that I will have to see if I can do this. I mean, what would you say? Would you say anything at all? It’s not about changing your mind from doing anything that you have done, but just helping yourself through some of those weird moments.

Anyways, I thought that since we are all here to become something more than we are… why not give it a try? I’ll have to think on this one a bit, but I wanted to put it out here for anyone else to share.

Btw, here’s the song that did this:

Letter To Me by Brad Paisley

If I could write a letter to me
And send it back in time to myself at 17
First I’d prove it’s me by saying look under your bed
There’s a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid
And then I’d say I know it’s tough
When you break up after seven months
And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don’t seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast and it’s rare

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night
She wasn’t right for you
And still you feel like there’s a knife sticking out of your back
And you’re wondering if you’ll survive
You’ll make it through this and you’ll see
You’re still around to write this letter to me

At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth
Always stop completely don’t just tap your breaks
And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full
On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool
Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you’re wrong and dad is right
And you really should thank Mrs. Brinkman
She spent so much extra time
It’s like she sees the diamond underneath
And she’s just polishin’ you ’til you shine

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night
Tonight’s the bonfire rally
But you’re staying home instead because if you fail Algebra
Mom and dad will kill you dead
Trust me you’ll squeak by and get a C
And you’re still around to write this letter to me

You’ve got so much up ahead
You’ll make new friends
You should see your kids and wife
And I’d end by saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life

I guess I’ll see you in the mirror
When you’re a grown man
P.S. go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can

And oh you got so much going for you going right
But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night
I wish you’d study Spanish
I wish you’d take a typing class
I wish you wouldn’t worry, let it be
I’d say have a little faith and you’ll see

If I could write a letter to me
To me

[JaxKeymaster]

Oooh, let me add some too. 

Conversations with my 13 year old self – Pink (this is such a beautiful song)

Conversations with my thirteen year old self
Conversations with my thirteen year old self

You’re angry
I know this
The world couldn’t care less
You’re lonely
I feel this
And you wish you were the best
No teachers
Or guidance
And you always walk alone
You’re crying
At night when
Nobody else is home

Come over here and let me hold your hand and hug you darling
I promise you that it won’t always feel this bad
There are so many things I want to say to you
You’re the girl I used to be
You little heartbroken thirteen year old me

You’re laughing
But you’re hiding
God I know that trick too well
You forget
That I’ve been you
And now I’m just the shell
I promise
I love you and
Everything will work out fine
Don’t try to
Grow up yet
Oh just give it some time

The pain you feel is real you’re not asleep but it’s a nightmare
But you can wake up anytime
Oh don’t lose your passion or the fighter that’s inside of you
You’re the girl I used to be
The pissed off complicated thirteen year old me

Conversations with my thirteen year old self
Conversations with my thirteen year old self

Until we meet again
Oh I wish you well oh
I wish you well
Little girl
Until we meet again
Oh
I wish you well
Little girl
I wish you well
Until we meet again
My little thirteen year old me

Message To Myself – Melissa Etheridge This is written to herself in the future

I’m sending out a message to myself
So that when I hear it on the radio
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

I warned myself of the blackness in my chest
The razors in my heart would never rest
It’s funny how you find just what you seek
Love is what you get when love is what you speak

I’m sending out a message to myself
So that when I hear it on the radio
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

I made every choice along the way
Each day I spent in hell I chose to stay
It’s funny what you fear can make you weak
Truth is what you get when truth is what you speak

I’m sending out a message to myself
So that when I hear it on the radio
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

So if you are listening I am just passing through
You can take some for yourself ’cause it works that way too

Sha la la la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la la la
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

I’m sending out a message to myself
So that when I hear it on the radio
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

I’m sending out a message to myself
So that when I hear it on the radio
I will know that I am fine,
I will know that I am loved.

[inariParticipant]

Hmm, what would I say in a letter to myself when I was 17?

Dear Sandra,

This is you, writing from the future. I have a few surprises for you. You know how you didn’t want to get married and have kids? Well, it’s kinda hard to break to this to you, but you did. And you did. Yep, you sold out. Bet that’s going to tick you off. I’ll leave what the names and genders are as a surprise. You ended up marrying that chap that you’re going out with now, pretty much all of his hair will be gone in another 5 years or so, so I suggest  you enjoy it while you can.

You also stayed ‘weird’. Strangely enough, this becomes a good thing after a few years, you’ll meet other ‘weird’ people and be able to actually revel in your weirdness instead of just pretending to be normal and interested in hearing  your friends go on (and on and on) about guys all the time. Oh, in case you are still wondering, Tash doesn’t get murdered because she made the last in a long string of bad relationship choices. Or at least, she hadn’t at the time of writing.

Go and spend more time with Uncle Robert. Unfortunately, we’ll be losing him in a few years and you’ll be feeling pretty darn rotten when we do, you see, I had a dream about him dying when I was you and then he did, and I felt soooo guilty about it, like I could have done something. Well, don’t feel guilty when it’s your turn to be me. You couldn’t have done anything, and it really put your development backwards a few notches, in fact I think I’m just getting over that whole guilt thing now, years on. We have better things to do with our time.

A few quick points. Yes, you’ll get into uni. Don’t let that be an excuse to slack off or else! When you are choosing between Judo and Aikido at uni, I’d suggest trying the Aikido. Last time around I chose Judo and it didn’t really turn out so good. Trust me. Try something else. Even ARNIS. Also, you are not fat. Trust me again. Been there, done that. You are not fat. If you don’t do the Judo, you might not get fat at all (there’s a hint there).

Ah, lets see, what else? ….no really can’t think of much more that won’t give too much away, and the now-me might not be the now-me if the then-you gets too much info, so I’d better not risk that.  Enjoy being young.  Though I’m not exactly old now, I can see it coming in the distance. Perhaps old-me will write now-me a letter sometime so I can see what it’s like. Or perhaps, I’m better not knowing.

Regards,

Your companion in life.

Yourself 14 years on.

[IcarusParticipant]

Inari,

Did you find it difficult in deciding what to say? It’s like when you look at it this way, and try telling yourself things, it doesn’t seem as bad…

Thanks, btw, for doing this.

Here’s mine:

Dear Andrea,

This is yourself. I know, I know… How can this be? This is some sort of sad trick… Ok, Well, here’s some proof then. You’re thirteen right now. In a few days, you are planning on telling your parents that you are babysitting with a friend, but you will actually be running off to another city to stay the night with a grown man. Trust me on this one… it’s not worth it. Still not buying that this is yourself writing this letter? Go look in the wardrobe. You’ll see three empty Jack Daniels bottles hidden there that you stole from your father when you got mad that night last week. No one else knows that they are there, you made sure of that…

Speaking of which, you really should lay off of all of that liquor. It’s going to get you in quite a bit of trouble that will take you years to get over. Oh, and when you meet Tony, accept what he has… just be more careful with that stuff and don’t get too close to the trains.

Now, I know right now that you think you are in love. You met that guy, and he’s just the greatest “bad boy” there ever was…. No, he’s a sick, twisted grown man that will really hurt you. Oh, and no… you do not deserve what is to come. Don’t for one minute think that you do. Now, you won’t be you if you don’t go through all of this, and even if I tell you exactly what will happen, you will still endure this anyway because you think you have no choice. But, please remember that you are stronger than anyone knows. You will make it through this, and you better believe that you will win this battle. You know what happens to this psycho? Think of “Deliverance” and just laugh. Wait… Is Deliverance even out yet?

Now, in about a year, you are going to have your heart broken. It will be so bad that you will not be able to breathe. You will be ready to kill your best friend. You won’t even think about the boyfriend’s part in this, but you will hate her beyond all recognition. She isn’t worth it either, and believe me, that trip to jail is really going to suck. Plus, one day, you will look back and see that you almost killed a girl that was just lonely and had absolutely no confidence in herself. You’re going to regret this, but I don’t think there is any stopping what you will do. So, here’s a hint… have some mercy on this girl and avoid the bricks.

Oh, stay away from Cathy’s friend, and also stay away from your boyfriend’s brother.

Now, I know that you are troubled with the spirits and you sometimes wish that you could just be normal. Don’t. No matter how much you drink, how much you smoke, and how far out you get on all of the drugs, the spirits will remain. The pain will remain. All of these things that you see as somewhat cool, but a bit weird are going to serve you well, and one day, you will help a lot of people. Take some time to hone these skills. Don’t cast them aside for a normal life. It’s not yours to have. And when you think that the only way to do this right is on that dark path… go ahead, do it, but show a little restraint, you little brat. Some things just should not be done. Deal with that and move on!

Oh, when Steve asks you out, don’t turn him down. He’s a good guy. You’ll have a lot of fun, and plus… he has a nice hat.

Btw, when you meet Danny soon, don’t be so mean to him. He’s going to think it’s funny, but really, he doesn’t deserve you being so cold. Lighten up a bit.

Take more time with your sister too. She’ll need you in a few years to shake her back into reality. When your friend gets her high, do what you will want to do and beat the crap out of both of them. I wish I had done that then.

Let’s see what else? Tell your grandparents that you appreciate everything that they have done for you. They don’t even know what all they have taught you. Neither does Jackie. Tell Cousin that you love him and that he is your hero. Trust me, he’ll say you must be hurting for heroes, but it will help him through a tough time he’s going through.

You and your mother will never get along. Accept this now and learn to work around it. She has a mental illness that she refuses to accept or get treatment for. It’s not your fault, or your responsibility. It’ll be much easier if you deal with this now.

Oh… don’t quit softball. Don’t give up the scholarships. Do it all and do it well because you have that ability.

And I know that in a few years, fighting for bets at the park will sound like a quick way to make some money… it is, but you will end up pretty bloody for the bits of cash you earn. Some of these things will hurt forever. Yeah, sure, you will get to let all that anger out, and you’ll love every moment of it, but… no, you’ll do all of this anyway, so nevermind.

See, I know right now, you think that you will either be dead or in jail in a few years. You won’t be. You will have some close calls, to be sure. You don’t want to get married. You don’t want kids. You don’t want to have a normal job or a normal life. Well, good. It’s not going to happen, but the kids and marriage part??? Well, you’ll get a kick out of this… the gypsy was 100% correct. Stew on that for a while!

Now, stop laughing.

Make sure you go to the doctor when you first start getting sick. You’ll understand when you are fifteen. Go get it taken care of then. I don’t want to go through all of those surgeries and the addiction to the pills that followed. So, save us the effort, please.

Tell Grannie that you value her stories and her presence. You will when she’s gone. And if it makes anything better, she won’t pass until 97. Get a picture of Jim and your son. That will bother you for a long time if you don’t. When your best friend tells you that he is in love with you, don’t laugh him off. He’s telling the truth, and your friendship will end because he can’t deal with the idea that ten years later, you can’t love him that way. Deal with it now and save your friendship and his marriage.

You know how you always think of how a Jedi acts, how a Jedi should behave and your job in this life… if there were Jedi here. One day, you will find others that think this way. It’s pretty cool. You’ll get to know people all over the world that follow a path called Jedi Realism. Oh, you won’t believe me right now anyway. (oh, and Lucas makes more movies, btw)

So, I guess I will close with telling you a few things that won’t change matters in our life course, but will make it easier on you and a few others.

The key to the window is on the right side. Put it in your hand before you leave Net’s house that night. Tell that other guy to put the gun down. Don’t run away in November. When you are threatened at that football game, go down swinging. Oh, don’t steal the cats with Lillian. Don’t go into the vacant house with Joe. Wear shoes when you do, because I know that you’re going to go with Joe anywhere. Remember to take the knife with you when you go to Kellie’s. Don’t break up with Jay until after Valentine’s. Make sure that you take breath mints to the dance because they will know you are drunk.

When you feel that you love someone, accept that it is ok to do so. Don’t let it make you feel weak. It makes us stronger. And no matter how many times it feels like your heart will break because no one loves you as “hard” as you love them… just remember that it is ok. That doesn’t weaken you. It doesn’t even hurt you. It tears your heart down and rebuilds it stronger. 

Take time for small things. Don’t get overwhelmed. You’re going to pass that math class. You’ll breeze through all of the rest of it. The dishes don’t have to get done. The pacifiers do not have to be constantly sterilized. The bus is not a death trap. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink Jack. Buy that black cowboy hat when you see it. Indulge in the tantric arts more. When you and Danny are with Ken at the shop, tell Danny to wait before switching out with Ken. When you think twice about getting in that car at the races, jump in head first and then spend the night with the other guy. Don’t shut off the energy. Don’t scream at your guide. Take those runs with your totem while you can because one day, you won’t be able to run anymore… actually, don’t get hurt in the left leg, ok.

Is there anything else? Yeah, a few months from now, don’t get on the phone with the Bowie knife in your hand. Tell your sister that you love her. Pick up the phone when your friends call. Go out with Christie more. Tell Yuphoria that you’re not interested. On September 1st, 2006, make Christie stay home for the day. I won’t tell you why, just do it. Remember to take the flower pots off of the porch. Don’t trust the neighbors. Play Gojira with your son. Don’t let your baby play with Laura’s dog. Make sure your daughter knows just how beautiful she is. Let Danny know that you aren’t so cold.

Always remember that no matter what anyone says, you know what you are capable of doing. Don’t let them tell you anything different. Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. Help somebody every chance you get. Don’t be afraid of who you are. Don’t fear loss. Don’t try to save the world. Just touch everyone with the light of love every chance you get.

By the way, the blood test… the vial will break and you won’t get the results, but I’m still here at thirty, so you can rest assured that the test is negative.

Most of that won’t make a damn bit of sense to you right now, but store it in that crazy mind of yours until it comes time to use it all. 

I gotta say, I’m still here at thirty and when I look at my life, I can’t believe how happy we become. Yeah, you never outgrow the goofy stuff. You never outgrow the Jedi. You never outgrow feeling alone, but you know what? You grow into exactly who you are supposed to be, and more than that, she’s really not that bad.

So, any time that you feel like giving up, remember these words:

“Cinch Up!”

See ya around,

Your thirty year old self.

[Beral KhanParticipant]

Here’s mine:

Dear Albert,

Due to the space-time continuum currently in flux, you are able to receive this letter from the future.  First of all, don’t worry, space and time are just fine.  Second.  You lived to at least 37.  I can’t really say after this as that is how old you are at the time you are writting this.

I know how much you would want me to give you the secrets of the future, especially your future.  The best I can say is, everything for a reason.  Hang on to that, buddy.  You’re going need it sometimes.

Other than that, you do love where are you are at this point.  So, I can’t really offer you any advice as it may contaminate where I am now. 

Just know, the future is amazing, as is every day.  Try to remember that too. See you in 20 years buddy.

Your Best Friend

YOU

ps… YOU STILL HAVE YOUR HAIR!!!

[IcarusParticipant]

Quote:

ps… YOU STILL HAVE YOUR HAIR!!!

I take it this was a big fear for you?

[Beral KhanParticipant]

not having my hair wasn’t a big deal, but it’s something that would give me comfort that wouldn’t effect my actions between there and here.

[Anonymous]

LOLOL!!!  Great and insightful!!!  Some really incredible posts here lately!!!

Dear Elizabeth,

You are going to love your life.  Don’t worry so much about following the path laid-out for you by others.  (Did anyone really think you wouldn’t walk your own walk anyway?).

You always knew you would never get married – but also you did so without having to commit to a religious institution. 

You will have a bunch of great jobs – and then run a business with your Dad.  A pilot shop….LOL…crazy huh?  You’ll end up with 4 shops in airports from Minnesota to Detroit to Houston as of this year 2007 – and are investigating a 5th – you may be going to Anchorage Alaska this spring!  Yay!!!  Yes – you always loved that area.  (Believe it or not your sister and Dad are with you – and your sis’s ex husband – and some great employees).

One of the freakiest things you will do in your mid-40s is to…train as a Jedi.  There is something called the internet – and people can talk to one another on computer – and some people felt as you did when they saw the Jedi and created Jedi Realists.  You will actually take classes, have discussion – and this will change your life.

You’ve met wonderful people – a few creeps – and had some life-changing relationships.  You were nearly married – but came to your senses.  You are very happy single – as you’ve always known – and are a happy spinster just as you’ve always dreamed.

Life is better than you think right now.  Just – if you could – stop drinking diet cola – it’s horrible for you.  Drink water.  Don’t let work take-over too much of your life when it doesn’t have to. 

Don’t give up your art work, your dancing, your creative side if you can avoid it.  I am having to start again after 25 years of having developed a business – which is creative – but not in as much a nurturing way.

Of course – you never worried much – and you were right…LOLOL!

Life is great.

[Author]

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