A Letter to my Younger Self

I look into the mirror on the wall as though I were in a fairytale, almost singing Mirror on the wall by Lil’Wayne and Bruno Mars as I peer at my reflection. I see the crow’s feet around my eyes and the laugh lines around my mouth. My goodness! I have really aged. I look closely again at my present reflection and I see the girl that I used to be, so innocent, unaware of what life had to throw her way. Ah! If only the young, innocent girl I see were a reality, not just a phantom that exists in my mind’s eye, I would be able to tell her all what I wish to say and what I now tell young people whenever I get the opportunity.

My Dear! The most important lesson I have learned is this: always ask yourself how you would feel about this decision five, ten years from now. I went on blindly thru life, as though blinkers were on my eyes, blindfolded. If only my future self were a guide to me, a faithful friend I’d be much better off now.
Then, I’d go to parties every weekend with my friends and sister, oblivious to what lay ahead of me in life. I thought I was having fun but I was just chasing shadows. I went from one party to another every weekend, dancing and laughing at those young girls who didn’t wish to go to parties with us.

I was not truly happy as I had no coping skills for the hard times of life. I was afraid to sit quietly and listen within for advice on the best course of action to take. Do not be like me! Should you party away your youth like I did, you will look in the mirror when you are much older and have lots of regrets, just like I do now.

Practice self-discipline in your youth; never be afraid to burn the midnight candle and bury your head in your school books. Do not disregard the admonitions of your teachers who try to make you see the folly of your ways. They too have travelled this path you now tread and they have the same regrets I do now. Had I listened to the loving admonitions of my teachers and lecturers, maybe I would have graduated with a First Class Honours degree from LSBU instead of a 2:1 degree.

Listen within for advice and counsel: there is something within you that knows the wisest course of action to take in any situation. If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again. You will never really know the true potentials within you until you try!

Study hard, cultivate hobbies that will bring you money in future. Do not be like me whose hobbies were chatting with friends, partying and listening to music. I wasted so much time on these hobbies and now they are of no use to me in my current life.

Learn to forgive others who may have wronged you, spend time with your parents before life separates you from them.
Develop your sense of self for so much stress is caused by identifying exclusively with how others see us. Be strong, courageous and brave! The world loves a strong personality and delights to award them the highest places of honour in life. It also does not hesitate to wipe its feet on those who fail to acquire inner strength for the vicissitudes of life. Do yourself a favour and be an Amazon.
Your future self will thank you!

Thanks for reading.
xoxo….. Lush