—AND IF YOU HAD A BAD WEEK, I’LL BE THE ONE TO TOUCH YOUR CHEEK

 

Note To My Younger Self

Dear Len,

 

  You don’t need to be so sad and frightened all the time, but it’s okay if you are so long as it doesn’t make you even more sad and frightened.

 

  You are both smarter and stronger than you think. Be aware of your self-talk and try to dwell on the positive aspects of yourself.

 

  Stop laying out in the sun with baby oil on your skin. If you have to be in the sun, use SPF 30.

 

  Keep a journal.

 

  Follow your dream of being a writer and forget any other career options.

 

  Be honest and brave with yourself. It will prepare you for the therapy you’ll need later in life.

 

  Say “I love you” when you feel it, no matter who makes you feel it.

 

  Realize life isn’t just about pleasure and experiencing things, it’s mostly about learning and growing.

 

  Do hard things.

 

  When you struggle with something, find who’s best at that thing and mimic what they do.

 

  Dream whenever you can, and dream big.

 

  Don’t knock yourself for being a romantic and a dreamer. The world needs more of these.

 

  Learn how to say, “No” to people when you really don’t want to do what they’re asking.

 

  Try not to judge (It’s a difficult task).

 

  Cry if you feel like it, and never hold it in.

 

  Try to remember that human beings fuck up, so be forgiving (This is also a difficult task).

 

  Be aware that you are who you are so far because of the accumulation of all the days you’ve lived up to this moment. Many of those bad moments weren’t your fault. Realize you can overcome them and be anything you want to be.

 

  If you’re angry (Depression is anger turned inward), let it burst out. Avoiding it or trying to suppress it will only scar you more.

 

  If you want a migraine-free future, stay away from Mickey Purcell in 6^th grade.

 

  Even if you’re poor, shoplifting is not cool.

 

  Learn to genuinely tell people you miss them when you feel that way.

 

  Get a pet and love them as unconditionally as they will love you.

 

  Seek out and befriend the outcasts. In many ways, you’re one of them yourself.

 

  Learn good eating habits early on. Exercise. Don’t obsess about your weight. Good health is something you can control.

 

  It’s okay not to be famous so long as you are doing what you love.

 

  Don’t skip the Bee Gees “One Night Only Concert” in Vegas. You’ll really regret it.

 

  Floss.

 

  Avoid drinking Spodie Odie in college.

 

  Get a camera and take photos of the sights that amaze you. Write the date and place on the back. Keep these near your journal.

 

  When you’re feeling blue, remember that you have a good heart. The point being, you’re a wonder, even if you aren’t aware of it. The point being, you’re a gift, even if you don’t believe it.