To my younger self
I went to a high school graduation this week.
It was a joyous day. Family, faculty, friends, and students all celebrating this milestone. The ceremony was on time and not overly long. Overall a memorable, special day.
A few members of the faculty and students gave speeches throughout the ceremony. Among all the cliches they inevitably used, there was one that stood out to me: The idea that graduates are now ready for the world.
This is a particularly timely topic for me to reflect on. As a 35 y/o I am precisely at the point in my life where I have exactly doubled my age since my own graduation.
So, was I world-ready at 17? Am I even ready now? I think the answer to me feels like it’s “we’re never ready” or “we’re always ready”. Or maybe it’s “we’re always getting ready”.
Spoiler alert: I am still getting ready.
To try to go deeper I sat down today and I journaled a bunch of little reflections that I would say to younger myself if I could.
I thought I’d share these in the hopes of inspiring you to connect with your younger self. ❤️
To my high-school-graduating self:
- It’s ok to not have everything figured out. 🤗
- Trust yourself. I have never regretted anything you did. Really. Those cliches, platitudes, inspiring quotes you’re reading are cool but trust me when I say that everything you’re doing has turned out perfect. ( I’m here! ) Just keep going.👌
- You are more attractive than you think. 🤩 Seriously, I just saw you on a photo the other day and you looked handsome!
- Those mistakes you’re making? Thanks for the lessons. I’m genuinely wiser because of them.
- Those really cringy things you did or said? They’re more like funny authentic stories I tell now. I’m proud of us. BTW I’m still cringy sometimes.
- It’s ok to feel sad, anxious, and angry. This is both normal and necessary. You’ll soon understand. Let it out. 🫂
- I know you’re grieving the loss of your friend. I know because I still grieve her, but grief evolves and you learn to be more ok with it. She’s still with us. ❤️ 👢
- Congrats on your academic success! It’s awesome that you accomplished what you set out to do and you‘ll get into a good school. However, remember that you’re loved for who you are and not for the grades. Your self-worth is not tied to your academic nor professional success.
- Your girlfriend seems like a very special girl, nice job! 😉
- Soon you’ll see Radiohead and the Red Sox and a bunch of other bands live. It’ll be incredible. 🎸⚾️
- I know you would be proud of me because I am proud of you.
- Thank you for everything.