A Note to My Younger Self: Navigating Life's Complexities
Dear Chad,
If you're reading this, it means time travel has become a reality, and you should take very seriously the advice I'm about to share. It's 2024 now, and I've had experiences you've only dreamed of, like riding hot air balloons over pyramids and swimming with whale sharks. I start with these highlights because I'm about to delve into some harder truths.
Monsters are real, Chad, but not in the way you imagine. The real monsters come in human form, exploiting the innocence of children and the kindness of others, trying to make the world a scarier place. To help you understand, think about the predators you've learned about on Animal Planet. Like the killer whale that plays with its prey, some humans can be even crueler, using places meant for good—schools, churches, families in need—to do harm.
One crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of love and forgiveness. Hate is often born from fear after experiencing something bad, and it can grow, turning people bitter. Remember, when someone hurts you, it's often because they've been hurt too. Luckily, you have a protective lioness in your mom, whose love will shield you.
Another essential understanding is that God is real, but also a mystery. Humans are naturally curious, part of a species that's both incredibly intelligent and relatively new to this planet. Many will claim to know exactly what God is and what it wants from you. I urge you to listen to diverse spiritual voices, seek harmony, and observe the natural world. True spiritual teachings should encourage growth and goodness.
Adults mostly mean well, but not all have grasped these truths. Following blindly leads to unhelpful cycles. Stay curious, Chad. Your questioning nature might frustrate some adults, but it's because they don't have all the answers, not because your questions aren't valid.
Remember, humans crave certainty, but we're a young species still learning. Always be open to rethinking and discovering new and better ways of understanding life. Being fixed in your mindset limits growth.
You're made up of ego, spirit, and animal—each with its own needs. Care for these aspects equally to live in harmony. Overemphasizing one leads to imbalance. Your greatest mission is to understand how these aspects relate to creation, not just humanity. The golden rule applies to all of creation; you are part of a whole, and your mission includes coexisting harmoniously with it.
As you grow, you'll understand all this better. For now, be kind, compassionate, discerning, and patient with both others and yourself. Respect others not because they deserve it but because you are a respectable person. And finally, remember, advice is like eating fish—you have to pick out the bones.
With love and hindsight,
Chad
