A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF
Define yourself. Worry less about what other people think. Concern yourself with how you think. You are your own worst critic anyway. You will learn that you are stronger and far more capable than you ever thought you were.
When asked to join the track team in high school, say yes. You have no idea how deep your passion for running will be one day. Some of your running achievements will be the best moments of your life.
Don’t be afraid to enlist in the Army and serve your country. Just because you don’t know how to work a washing machine yet doesn’t mean you can’t learn to become a heavy construction equipment operator.
Go to college, and not just because mom said you had to. Learn new things and grow. You’ll later find you wouldn’t have gotten your job without this degree.
Find a career that both excites and frightens you. Something that keeps you on your toes every day. Be thankful for your chance to serve your community. Work hard, it will pay off. Keep the men and women in blue that served after you in your thoughts. They put their lives on the line every day.
You will kiss a lot of frogs, but one day you will find a prince. The kind of guy that will buy a veteran lunch, hold open the door for ladies, and wave at dogs in the car next to you. He will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Remember this when you get mad.
Love your animals with all your heart. They aren’t always with us as long as we would hope, so cherish them every day. Throw the ball, give them the extra cookie, let them sleep in bed, kiss and pet them every chance you get.
Enjoy your friendships, but know that some may run their course. You may lose touch with people you thought would be in your life forever. Let go of toxic people, the ones that try to sabotage your life and your relationships. Don’t let them suck away your spirit. There will be other people that will always be with you. True friends that will go above and beyond any expectations. Hold on to them as long as possible. Those friendships are few and far between.
Embrace your body. It will be thin and not so thin. You will gain and lose weight many times over. Your legs may be bigger than the next persons, but they will take you amazing places.
Watch less TV and read more. Although you didn’t like to read much when you were younger, it will be something you truly enjoy later in life.
Save for the future but also live right now. Don’t wait too long to travel and see the world. Travel will add a whole new dimension on to your life. Fill your life with adventures and worry less about having things.
Follow your heart. You will need to make tough choices in life.If you know in your heart you are making the best decision, it will be the right one.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it. Kayak in the ocean, jump out of an airplane, climb that mountain. You’ll only regret the things you didn’t try. It’s never too late to realize your dreams.
Spend more time outdoors. Take the road less traveled, even if you get lost. That is usually when we truly find ourselves.
Laugh every chance you get, even if you are laughing at yourself. Dance when your favorite song comes on. Give hugs instead of handshakes. Tell people you love them. Remember that life is short. Be happy and stop wasting your time on other things.
