Dear Eighteen-Year-Old Me,
Forty years seems like forever when you’re Eighteen.
Trust me, it isn’t.
Forty years from now, you’ll look back and wonder where the time went. Those people who say, “The older I get, the faster time goes”… they’re right. Listen to them while you can. Don’t think that you have all the time in the world to spend with your loved ones. You don’t.
Don’t take one moment or one person for granted. Don’t get so wrapped up in the next gadget, milestone, or promotion that you miss what is truly important. One day, sooner than you can imagine, you will wish to talk to Mom or Dad one more time. You would give anything to see your grandparents, to spend time in Grandma’s kitchen or Grandpa’s garden.
You’ll lament spending more time building a career than you did making memories. You’ll have aches and pains in parts of your body you didn’t know existed. One morning you’ll look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back. Your mind will insist that you’re still young, while wrinkles, gray hairs, and an aching back tell a different story. One day you’ll double over from the punch-in-the-gut realization that you have more years behind than before you. Make them count.
Live well. Love fiercely. Savor every moment. Don’t let anyone steal your joy or take advantage of your kindness. Make peace with God early in life and never let Him go. Read the Bible more. Talk to God often, and especially if you’re about to give someone a piece of your mind or make a hasty decision. (Paul knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “Pray without ceasing.”)
That old Christmas movie is right… It really is a wonderful life. You’ll experience joy unspeakable and hurts unimaginable. You’ll visit wondrous places and become even more thankful for your humble home and your own backyard.
Perhaps your greatest realization of all will be that growing old is an opportunity far too many never experience. No matter where you are or what your circumstances, you are blessed.
Live well, dear one.
Copyright 2022 lifeatroomtemperature.com Sherry A Hathaway. All rights reserved.