5 Pieces of Advice for My Future Self
- Mackenzie Trotter
- Mar 14, 2018
- 3 min read
To me, from me.
One of the biggest disservices we, as humans, do for ourselves is remember the past as better than it was. I'm guilty of this, too. Some of this is because we see the past through rose colored glasses, but one of the biggest issues is social media. We only post what we want others to see. We share only the best moments, taken from the best angles, with the right filter, and voila our lives are perfect. That's why I'm here to give you a reality check - I know you're gonna need it. It's inevitable that I'll yearn for these days, but here's what I want you to remember:
1. Don't miss me
A year from now you're going to look back on this time and think of it fondly. Which is great, reminisce until your heart is content, but don't glorify me. To be honest, these days suck. The day to day monotony of school, coupled with working, homework, clubs, volunteering - it's a lot. Remember every night that you lost sleep because of homework or every memory you missed because you were stuck indoors studying. Take advantage of the freedom you have. Go out after work, take a long weekend, just live because for so long you sat behind a desk wishing for it to be over. I want you to be better than I am right now, and I know you will be.
2. Be patient
Don't get too ahead of yourself. Take each day as it comes, one at a time. I know this is hard for you so my biggest advice is don't become so caught up in the excitement of your future that you forget to live in the moment. There is a time for everything and it will all get done. Just be here, now. Don't look back too much but don't wait for the future to happen. The future is now, it's up to you what you do with it.
3. Find balance
Nobody is perfect; you have to take the good with the bad. Don't stress over the little things and let them ruin the big moments in life. Eat well, but treat yourself. Save money, but splurge once in a while. Work hard, but relax, too. It's a juggling act, but it can be done. Give yourself the time to find the balance and make it work. Nobody has their whole life figured out, so don't be too hard on yourself.
4. Love yourself
You can't help others until you help yourself, survival 101. You have to love yourself, even when you don't want to. You can't give others the love they deserve until you're willing to offer the same to yourself. Do something each day that makes your heart happy. Go for a walk, drink tea, be creative. Do what brings you joy because ultimately you're the only one responsible for your own happiness. It's not selfish to make yourself a priority.
5. Take risks
Don't let fear rule your world. Be ambitious. You can't stay hidden in your shell your whole life and then wonder why you've never grown. You have to experience life even if it's scary. Keep pushing yourself and don't settle for less than you deserve, whether this be in relationships or at work. Know your worth and push the boundaries. You've only got one life to live, so make it count.
I hope this letter finds you well, wherever you are.
Love,
Mackenzie
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