Day 19: A Letter to Me

Dear 18 year old Me,

I am feeling a bit inspired by a Brad Paisley song right now (I know, it's only 1992.  You don't know who Brad Paisley is yet.  But you will.  He's a cutie.).  I am in the middle of a blogging challenge (If the internet then was the internet now, you would sooo be doing this.) and today's challenge is to write a letter to your 18 year old self...think "Back to the Future part 2"...

I have so many things I need to tell you. Life is such a good teacher...I'm just not the best learner, it seems, and some of the lessons that I've learned I had to stumble through several times.  So listen up.

First, you're not as smart as you think you are.  You think that letting go of all the things you currently love and find joy in doing will be freeing.  Band, journalism, Van, Texas...but I'm telling you now that those are the things that anchor you. Through band you learned discipline and made lifelong friends...why not let another band help you in this next phase?  Why not let your writing help steer your future?  Why the heck not?

Second, cherish the friendships you have now.  Hold them close and don't squander them. Listen to their advice. Listen to what's going on in their lives.  When outsiders try to make you turn your back on them, don't.  Remember who's been around longer. Say you're sorry when you're wrong, and accept apologies when you're hurt.  It's worth it.

Third, guard your heart.  You've always wanted to be loved in that forever hearts and flowers way.  He's out there.  But there are fakes. Frauds.  Say no.  Don't answer the phone. Walk. Away.

Fourth, GO TO TEXAS A&M.

Finally, enjoy this time. While this is NOT as good as it will ever be, it is pretty dang sweet.  And you can never, ever get it back.

Bittersweetly,
Me