This last year of health challenges has humbled me. It’s kind of like unplugging your computer modem, waiting 10-seconds, and then plugging it back in. I was rebooted. I reflected on my life and found a shift in my values and my view of the world. If I had only known. So today, I’m writing a letter to my younger self, just to give her some knowledge and wisdom that I have procured over 40-ish decades I have been on this planet.
To my dearest younger self,
I wish I could tell you that life will be easy, but that would be a lie. You will be faced with battles that strip you of all strength and beat you down physically and mentally but you are tenacious. When everything comes crashing down, don’t waste time picking up the pieces trying to figure out what happened, just get up, dust yourself off and keep moving.
Forgive your family for past frustrations, because one day you will realize that resentment only makes you weaker. Life is too short to fill it with hate, so be kind to others. Do something that scares you. Floss and brush your teeth every day… trust me on this one.
One day you will be faced with a neurological condition, Parkinson’s disease. Cry, scream, yell and stomp your feet, kick a puppy… (don’t do that… not cool) … but never ask, “Why me?” Don’t waste an ounce of energy trying to make others feel comfortable with the things that you can’t change. Look for something to be passionate about, it doesn’t matter what it is, just find something to stand up for and let your voice be heard.
Don’t be afraid to love… just be conscious of the men you give your heart to. Stop and pause before making decisions, sometimes you only get one chance to choose. Be kind. Be helpful. Be honest. Look for ways to support others. You will be recognized for your work in the Parkinson’s community… you will feel undeserving, but remember… you’ll change people’s lives.
To exercise and eat well is obvious, but make it a part of your everyday life. Take joy in moving. There are people in this world who can’t even stand up out of a wheelchair. Be humble. Don’t ever lose your ability to laugh at yourself. Humor will get you through difficult times. Keep laughing. Treasure the time that you have with your family and friends… they will be the ones who will, help you become who you are. Remove all toxic relationships in your life, you want to surround yourself with good people.
I know that this might all sound overwhelming. But slow down and enjoy the beautiful person you will become. This is your only life. Make it yours and buckle up, cause you’re in for a bumpy ride.
With Love,
Your older self
So I ask you, what would you say to your younger self?
Thank You for your never waivering in thought and follow through!
You Truly are one of a kind that more needs to be aware of you to follow & learn Unless, this has already happened!
Thank You Perkyparkie.
Thank you Chris!
To my younger self: Enjoy the ride!
P.S. – Next time you start an exercise regimen, stick with it.
Brett, exercising is huge.
Be wild! make mischief! get into trouble! make lots of crazy adventures! stop “behaving yourself”!!! that will only contribute to your inevitable physical and spiritual stiffness, rigidity and inflexibility. have some fun boy–cut loose!
Wayne, love it! Bend the rules a bit!
I loved this! I’d write my own letter, but I don’t know…maybe I’m not ready to evaluate my present before I can tell myself about my past. I’d definitely tell myself that I’ll spend thousands on my mouth if I don’t floss, but the story about telling the dental assistant that I’m Batman, hugging my surgeon and telling him I love him, and telling a whole waiting room full of people that Batman loves them, would make the money worth it. 😂
Hmm…you’ve got me thinking. I did love this. Maybe I’ll write my own letter to myself and see where it takes me.
Oh and Smitty…no kicking puppies.
John, please say that you said I’m Batman in the low scratchy voice!
I said I’m Batman in the low, cheeks full of cotton, scratchy voice. 🦇 😂
Right!
Very well said
Thank you Dan!
And wear sunscreen 🙂
Great one Chris!
I would say to my younger self, “Be grateful every day. Don’t judge, don’t get offended and don’t whinge. Stand up for yourself and others, when needed, in an assertive, clear manner. Learn to love. Start this as early as you can, in your life and it will truly enhance your time on this planet.. “
Vera, love that you think of your time on this planet.
I had to write a letter like this to myself as an exercise at an ambassador training once. I ended it with, “Now go out and kick ass.” I am trying to do that every day. I see you doing it too and you definitely are changing lives. You kick ass Allison!
Lauren
Awwwwww, thank you Lauren! We kick ass together!
You get one life. Make the most of it. Luck will play a major role in your life, but you can make your own luck. Don’t be afraid to take chances, but understand the decisions you make are your own. Own them. Stay as fit as you can. If you get really ill, and the deck is stacked against you, it will be to your advantage to he healthy. Learn to sleep. Floss twice a day (from my song 25 Again), Do most things in moderation, except for love and one other thing you are passionate about, what ever that is. Try a lot of things looking for the one or two things that make your life whole.
Lives are tough, and will seem at times not to have meaning. Don’t spend too much time looking for meaning. Make your own.
Peter….love your letter!
Good solid advice IWNQ: I WILL NEVER QUIT
Dale, awesome way of thinking! Never quit.
The one thing I would say is never ever let the laughter die!
Ellen, that’s so true!
You didn’t brush & floss every day?? Oh Ally…
Guilty!
To my younger self. I would of said go into the doctors tell them you have PD and get diagnosed at 16 years of age and run a Rock Steady program from my own gym.
Nathan, that sounds awesome!