WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 - LETTER TO A YOUNGER ME

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY  10, 2024, LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

I’ve been reflecting on growing up this week - somewhat in sync with Frank Sinatra’s “If Was a Very Good Year.” I’m going back to that tomorrow, but today, as a 76-year-old woman, I am writing a letter to myself - as a younger man.

*****

Dear Bruce,

You might not believe this, but this letter is from your future self (about 55 years in the future).  

[Aside, I have no idea how this might get to my former self - time travel is a great science fiction concept, but not real]

I am seventy-six as I write this today, Wednesday, January 10, 2024. (Get the smelling salts in case you faint). I AM A WOMAN!!!

But, more on that later.

*****

You will be a very successful educator with numerous awards and honors.  

Here are my suggestions 

First - back to school. You should take chemistry in high school. Yes, I know you liked physics, but it would have been a good science elective to have both chemistry and physics. AND - repeat Calculus III in college. Yes, you got an “A,” but you needed to learn the material. 

AND - study harder in high school - get better grades - go for extra help from your English teacher. Your writing and your English grades could be better. Guess what, Bruce. You will write several books in your life - so your writing needs to improve. Learn the parts of speech better; learn grammar.  

Don’t take easy classes because they are easy classes. Take courses that challenge you. You can learn from your teachers (professors) or learn despite them. Read lots. Read for your classes, and also read for fun. I love learning - and I know you do too - but you must prioritize it.

DO NOT LET YOUR HEALTH SLIP. Run, jog, use weights, watch your posture, watch your weight. Take care of your knees and joints. Eat your vegetables and fruits. Eat your broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, and kale. AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH. I’m seventy-six, and my body is rapidly aging. Your mother lived to 98, your father to 97. Keep healthy, Bruce.

Try new foods, cook (actually, you will need to do that), be curious, and continuously learn. There are some things NOT to try - illegal drugs, for one thing. 

Travel. (Yes, if you follow my route, you will get to Ireland, Germany, Belarus, and even  Kazakhstan)

Get outside. Be able to identify trees, flowers, and even weeds. Garden - get your hands dirty. Walk, hike, jog (until your knees won’t take it)

Volunteer and give back to the community. Visit the elderly. Mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn (and others). Shovel your neighbor’s driveways and sidewalks.

Learn to LOVE all people. You will go through a period of hate. Hate is cancer - don’t hate. Don’t judge people by their color, names, or political views - or basically - don’t JUDGE anyone (God does a much better job).

Commit to God. Yes, I know your background - always in church every Sunday. But going into a barn doesn’t make you a horse, and going to church doesn’t make you a spiritual person.  

You will lose your heart along the way. You will compromise and accept less than you are worthy of.  

LOVE all people - don’t hate the Russians or Arabs or others. LOVE does win, Bruce. The sooner you learn that, the better your life will be. Find a mentor, find good friends; good friends are like GOLD.  

Don’t lust after money (and definitely don’t lust after women and sex).  

Dear me - (Dear Young Bruce) - you have all the brain and emotional power to move the earth - don’t settle for less. You can make a difference - DO IT.

Dear Bruce, I’m nearing the end of my life - hopefully, it will be a long time (like Mom and Dad) - but be healthy and happy. “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength” - “Be transformed by the renewing of your life” “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” “What does God expect of you? To love justice, to show mercy, and to walk humbly with God” - learn humility (before you get kicked out of life for being too egotistical).

***

Yes, there are things I would do differently if I could live my life again. Yes, I know you won’t get this letter, and you (that is also me) will trip and fall occasionally, but get up and keep going.

There will be a time when mental issues of depression will assail you -overcome those. Always be positive, always be upbeat, and always be considerate of all people - rich, poor, black, white, whoever.

*****

Finally, dear Me (that is dear Bruce).

You will make it; you will be loved. (You will also have some that hate you - you must love them back).  

*****

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to face my future with gusto - I need to be honest with myself and attempt to live my final years (if I can reach 98 like Mom, that would be great) - with dignity, with love for all, with health, and with sanity and clear thinking.

I’m cheering for you - young Bruce. There is a song, “It Was A Very Good Year,” - and I want every year of your life to be “excellent.”

I love you - (which really means - I love myself!!!)

LOVE WINS, dear Bruce
LOVE TRANSFORMS

Yourself in the future, Karen Anne White, ©, January 10, 2024