Dear Younger Self,
While I am still in my formative years, let it be known that you are more than prepared to start on the day your hobby becomes a passion. Channel it into something that can help others and make lives happy, especially yours.
Furthermore, I wish that you will be tolerable of other people that come before you. You have to understand that whenever Mom and Dad advised you, it is because deep down, they love you for who you are. No parent in the right mind would think of hurting their child. The samd goes for your teachers as school. Tolerate them, even when the going gets tough sometimes.
My wish is that you listen to your parents. Whatever advice, especially those involving academic paths, should be considered and appreciated, whether you like it or not. While this may sound like common sense, I hope you do well in the matter above, for it may leave a big impact for the rest of your life.
Besides all that, please buy books. It can be of any type: story books, autobiography, comic books; even coloring books! The most important part of it is, you will get something out of any book you read. Three simple words explain why: knowledge is king.
You are young, bright and are beautiful, regardless of the opinions of people who don’t like you. In time, you may find people who don’t, but it’s best to keep silent than trigger them unnecessarily. They have a sickness in their hearts; we can only hope they become better persons.
I believe in you, but you must believe in yourself. Stay confident throughout life’s endless journeys. Plus, don’t forget to stay happy, always. Keep the smile on your face. Don’t you ever lose it.
I bid you farewell. Have a safe journey through life.
Nasran Salleh, Perak
Dear Younger self,
You are probably cracking your brains worried about where life will take you. It’s OK to feel this way, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Enjoy the time spent with your loved ones because before you know it, your grandparents will leave you, your friends are moving away from the country, and your parents are slowly aging.
Go back to your hometown, visit them more often, and appreciate the little things they do for you. Being away and living on your own isn’t going to be easy. Although you crave independence, deep down, you’re still going to be that little girl seeking love and attention.
Learn to breathe, relax, and enjoy the ride. Getting upset won’t help you solve a problem. Being short-fused will only drive the people you love away.
Know that relationships are not going to be easy. You’re going to get your heart broken, more than once. You’re going to meet the one that got away, and eventually learn that love is a whole lot of compromise and commitment.
And sometimes, when you fight over things, take a breather – you’ll realize that they weren’t that big of a deal after all. All those talks about ‘sparks flying’ or whatever they call it in romance comedy films are really just fiction. Learn empathy and think objectively. I promise – it will be good for you.
Continue to have that drive and passion to achieve great things in life. That will be your motivation in life. You’ll learn so many things along the way, and you’ll meet helpful people too. I know, not everyone is genuine, but don’t lose faith, or hope in people.
Don’t worry about petty and dramatic colleagues. Friends come and go, but the important ones who care about you will be there when you need them. Don’t be too proud to call out to them for help, or for a listening ear. After all, life is an adventure. Take these lessons and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.
Thank you for the lessons you taught me – I’ll miss you.
Rachel, Petaling Jaya
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