In my twenties, I have often thought, “I wish I could go back in time and tell my 15-year-old self X, Y, and Z.”
I then heard about this writing exercise where instead of interviewing your past self, you interview future self. When I first wrote this, I intended for it to be seen by my eyes only, but the process and results were so surreal that I couldn’t help but share. The way I envisioned it was simple: how do I picture myself in 10 years? What would he say to me?
Essentially, I am asking myself, what kind of person do I want to be?
27: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned over the past 10 years?
37: 10 years feels like 10 minutes. Don’t waste time on anger, hatred, and fear. Relish in the fact that you are alive and exist in the world.
27: What’s made you the happiest over the past 10 years?
37: The little things: A good, catchy song. Mom calling to ask how I’m doing. An extra hour of much-needed sleep. Holding your partner’s hand. Sharing happiness with your family and friends.
27: What’s been your biggest accomplishment?
37: Saying yes to life. All of it. Including death. You have to accept death as a part of life. I said yes to awe and wonder rather than melancholy. All other successes have been minuscule compared to that one.
27: Where is somewhere you unexpectedly traveled to?
37: A few. Turkmenistan. South Georgia. Arkansas. Random I know! But trust me, you can find interesting and amazing things everywhere and anywhere.
27: Anything else you’d like to tell me?
37: Don’t trip. Don’t waste time worrying about what is beyond your control. Fix what’s wrong with you, and don’t get mad over the actions of others. Trust in God. Trust that you’re on the right path. Do something that terrifies you. Don’t give in to fear or dread the future. Read good books. Listen to excellent music. Try delicious food. Don’t worry about criticism. Share your happiness. Be kind to everyone. Find Heaven and God within. Always seek peace and justice.
And just like that, the exercise is over, and I am inspired to implement those pieces of advice well before I turn 37.
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