If I could write a letter to the past me {#Tuesday@Ten}

I have written letters to the future me, but never to the past me.

Dear J.J.

First I will just let you know you will outgrow that nickname when your about sixteen. It will take a couple more decades for your family to catch on that you are serious about it.  With that name change will come a lot more change.

Second, know there are things you could have done differently looking back, but every wrong decision led you to the path that you are on today.  You will go through a lot of things that would destroy most people, but if you will look for God you will find Him in every situation.  It might make the journey quicker, as you learn different lessons, but just know God is going to use it all.

When the opportunity arises, don’t go back to previous relationships.  It’s not beneficial for you or the people who you really love.  That advise doesn’t apply to Tim S. you will marry him one day and then another day too.  Again another thing that will lead you to the path your on today.

Cherish your family.  I know that you think that leaving home is going to be all that, but one day you will look back and realize that your perception changes as you get older.  Store up all the memories you can from the stories your parents tell you because one day you will need to tell them those stories and tell your children to keep their memories alive.  Stay close with your family, make sure your children grow up close to their family too.

Make time for the people who are important to you.  Don’t get so wrapped up in life that you stop taking time for your friends.  And time for making new ones.  Friends are important.

Quit your job when you have the dream, you will know what the dream is.  Listen to your instinct.  You won’t regret it and things will work out.

Don’t be afraid to speak when you feel lead.  You have value to share that will add to other’s lives.  Don’t be afraid to challenge complacency, in yourself or others.  Be willing to give up control.  Other people may not do it the way that you want, but you will carry additional stress that is not yours to carry.  It also robs others of the opportunity to fulfill their own calling. Let go of the anger, your much happier without it.

Love God.  Love Tim.  Love your children.  Love your family. Love people.

With all love,
Your future self

This post is prompted by the Tuesday@Ten blog Link up where you have 6 full days to use the “prompt phrase” as a part of your writing.  Whether it be just writing a story behind the phrase or being as creative as you wish using photos, poems, art, or graphics – whichever creative way you choose.  You have 6 days to write and link up your blog at the bottom of the page so that others can link up with you.