Dear Younger Me,
I wish you could have read this long ago. There is so much that I, future Barrie, could have taught you. I wonder how different things would be if only you knew then what I know now. I definitely haven’t figured everything out in my ripe old age of 37, but life is ever changing, and like everyone, I am learning as I go.
Life just isn’t going to be what you thought it would be. It’s far more stressful and not as easy as you think. Things happen and you won’t know why. You may never know why. Good and bad things. Enjoy the good times, and know that the bad times won’t last forever.
Stop rushing things. Really, I mean it. Life goes by so much faster than you would ever believe. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but it will. Each year it seems the world spins faster and faster. Stop wishing away time because you are looking for the next thing. Try to enjoy the moment. I know this is difficult for you, since I am you, but you have to try.
Don’t forget who you are. Don’t forget your dreams and what you want to do in life. Do the things that you enjoy while you can. You will spend so much of your life being a wife and mother. Raising your kids and sacrificing for your family is the most important thing, but it is so easy to forget about Barrie and about your dreams. Before you know it you will be 37, stuck in a career path you never saw for yourself, and overwhelmed and exhausted by the trials of life. Do what you enjoy as much as possible.
Try not to worry so much. Things do have a way of working out. Listen to your mom. She always said “everything always works out”. Turns out she was right. It may not be in the way that you thought or even the way you wanted, but it will work out the way it should. Have faith. Worrying will only bring you to a worse place. Yes, things will go wrong and won’t go as planned, but nothing will be as daunting as you make it out to be in your head. Trust me. I know.
Take more chances. Without putting yourself out there, you will never know what you could become. It is easy to live your life in the safe and comfortable zone, but you will be left unfulfilled. I know because I did and I am. Take the chance. You can do more than anyone thinks. You just have to figure out what you want and what excites you. Wiping someone else’s butt is not what you are meant to do.
Your best friendships are yet to come. I promise, you will have great friends in life. Friends that will encourage you to leave your comfort zone and follow your passion. Friends that will stand by you at your worst moments and encourage you to keep going. Remember to stay connected to them. You need them. More than you think you do.
Lastly, learn to be proud of yourself. You have worked so hard to get to where you are. Although it may not be where you want to be, it is where you are. Learn to appreciate the hard work you have put it. You have to be a fan of yourself. You will learn firsthand that others won’t appreciate your hard work and dedication and will try to squash your dreams, but don’t let them bring you down. You have a lot to offer and you don’t give up. Life is scary and ever changing. Take a lesson from yourself, learn to enjoy the chaos of it all before it is too late.
Sincerely,
Me
