Letter From My Future Self:

Dear Hendric,

I hope this letter reaches you in good stead. I had to pull quite a few strings and step on a couple of toes to send this back in time (cause you know such things aren’t allowed), so I’m just really happy that you received it.

Things are great right now and you won’t believe how much life has changed. We have two smart and beautiful children full of passion and desire, with huge dreams for the future. Our wife still looks as lovely as when we first met, with her deep brown eyes and flowing hair adorning the glow on her skin. When she smiles, my heart beams with contentment and all Worldly problems seem to fade away. But more than being our anchor and pillar of support, she is also an independent inspirational woman and there is nothing in the World I won’t give up for her.

We also have a couple of businesses under our belt and I think the decision to venture out was the best one we have ever made. There were many ups and downs with lots of hardships, self doubt, mishaps and tears, but we finally have something to call our own.

I remember how hard things were back then, so here are a couple of reminders for you.

Trust that the dots will connect

Your entire life up to this point and beyond will continue being a mash of different interests that may or may not have a direct link to each other. It is perfectly alright to be a jack of all trades. So embrace your curiosity, trust that the dots will connect and the sum of your experiences will become the impetus for what I have now.

Manage expectations

The truth is that there are tons of people better than us. I know you have very high expectations of yourself but you must remember not to be unrealistic or overly hard on yourself. Failures are a part of life and the only thing we can do is learn from them, look forward and do our best. We can only do our best at any given point in time, even if it’s not good enough. Just promise me never to not give your best.

Don’t be jelly (that’s how your generation uses the word right?)

Jealously can never be good. We will always think that the lives of other people are better and more fulfilling. It doesn’t help that social media during your time is a constant showcase of narcissism and whose life is better. I know you subconsciously do it too and I am not judging you for it. My point is that you need to look beyond it and never let jealousy make you feel inadequate.

Keep traveling

Never stop doing this. Everyone travels for different reasons but you, I know how happy you are when you travel. I know about what you see and think while traveling, the tingling feeling you get before every new experience. I know how your mind opens up once you step off the airplane. So keep traveling because it will keep you sane and alive.

Walk with your mind, run with your heart

Do you remember how this was the mantra that helped you so much during your formative years? Continue sticking to it. Use your logical mind to plan your approach and then go all out with the plan. Fight with everything you have cause no one is going to be serving you anything on a silver platter.

Be patient with love

I know sometimes it is difficult to do things alone and opportunities for meeting people are low now that you’re out of school. But you should know by now that rushing into any relationship is a bad idea. Love can’t be forced nor rushed so be patient young one! Everyone deserves to be loved and your time will come.

And these are all the reminders I think you need for now. I could tell you more, but that would take the fun out of you living your own life. Follow your heart and keep fighting.

Love,

Future Hendric

p.s. I still look like I am in my late twenties! Cheers to youthfulness.

Challenge: Here’s a twist on the usual “letter to my future self” which I found to be useful for visualization and reflection. We all need this from time to time, which is why I’m challenging you to write a letter from your future self too! Do link to this post if you are up for it and willing to share cause I’ll love to read what you write and curate a list of reminders/letters. :)