Disclaimer: It is either likely or highly unlikely that any sentiments expressed in this letter in any way coincide with those of any other person in any way associated with me. I was often asked what would I suggest to my younger self, if given a chance. Here I've an article on what I would say.
Dear Mini-me,
You must have heard
from everyone many times that "Do not grow up, it's a trap". Today
after turning out to be a 20 something, I'm going to tell you what it is like
to be a grown up. I have time traveled 15
years back to tell you how much I love you and how we have synchronically made
this life for me.
First thing first,
don't ever be frightened of anything. The little school going girl that you
are, you are a marvelous kid. All the naughtiness that has vanished due to the
circumstances in the past year, I say you should continue to be the same
naughty kid. When I look back to the time I have traveled, I feel it is boring
to be a decent kid.
All the tough
subjects in school syllabus aren't a big deal, you will still make it to the
top. It's OK if the other person is scoring 0.5 or 1 mark more than you, in the
end, it does not even matter. Do not get upset over missing a rank, go out and
play games, get bruises and make more friends. Go play whatever makes you
happy, you need not play with a doll/Barbie at all because you don't like it.
It's OK to have short hair and not have braids when you go to school.
Have as many crushes
as you want, I allow you to. I still do, why not you? I know, there are
Hitlers' encompassing, you need not always tell them how many crushes have you
had and how you perceive it. Act crazy and weird at times, you are not straight
out of a classic story, and you can be weird too. Someday a Teacher will tell
you "A lotus is still a lotus even in the mud", respect her for she
is going to give you the best life lessons.
I know, you have had
the unfortunate times at such tender age but that is only going to make you
strong. Remember, every lesson from life is unpleasant but these lessons will
not destroy or kill you. Make more mistakes
and learn the hard lessons by yourself. Trust me, you will not realize it at
this time but you will learn a hell lot of things in the years to come. When I see you through the glass, I see a shy
and quiet girl who is bright and intelligent. Be proud of yourself and use it
to your favor.
Give, But don't
allow yourself to be used. Love, but don't allow your heart to be abused.
Trust, but don't be naïve. Listen, but don't lose your own voice. And my dear mini-me, stop brother-zoning
every guy you meet; today I see I'm surrounded by the maximum number of
annoying brothers. Possibly only person to have so many brothers around and
they'll get you mad every time in the crowd even though they stand by you when
needed.
All the ways that
make you different are the ones that make you stand out. It's OK to be
different. Dream big because that is what you are supposed to at this age. You
will eventually achieve everything that you truly desire and deserve. If you
feel, life isn't fair to you right now, this too shall pass. Most of the things
that are taught to you by the school and society are not the facts, it's OK you
will anyways figure out what is good for you.
People say you think
too much, and it will continue even when you sail through the adulthood. Love
yourself, because that is who you are going to spend the rest of your life
with. I feel that everything happens for a reason, even though I fail to
realize it at that point in time. In the adulthood, you cannot make more
mistakes, as that is how life is supposed to be. Evaluate things before acting
on them, let alone people think you are old school.
Whenever you feel
you are tired; drained physically and emotionally just remember you have to
keep moving. You see, today mom is very proud of who I have become after
fighting all the odds. I know things happen late in my life, but I have got the
best ones. So you too make an attempt to trust in whatever is meant to be, it
will happen.
If you think your
life is not as perfect as that of your friend's, then it is only a matter of
time. Be happy with all the little things that you have, while there are people
with nothing and they do still smile. Everything
will come to you at the perfect time. Do what is right for you, for there is
none walking in your shoes. No matter what happens and how hard it seems to be,
you will be better tomorrow.
If any evil aunt
asks you to learn cooking, just say you are still in school and you will learn
it someday. Today, I can totally manage it all. Anyone if ever treat you in
unfair ways, voice it out and stand for yourself. Stand for mom, make her feel
safe around you. Be nice to everyone who is nice to you. Life is too short to
live with regrets and disappointments. Do not waste time thinking of wrong
things or people, 5 years from now it will not even matter. The nicest ones that you have met and are
going to meet will stay with you forever or at least they are here at this
point. Feel blessed for what you have.
If all that you did
today was to hold yourself, I am proud of you mini-me. Just be real, it’s not
at all complicated.
Last, but not the least - When you are wrong, admit it; when you are right, be quiet!
The grown-up you!
