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What would you say in a letter to your 16 year old self?

by hayfj2
17 replies
As you reflect on your life todate and the challenges, and celebrations you've had over the years. What advice would you give yourself in the form of a letter to the 16 year old you ready to embrace life?

Here's mine....

Dear Fraser

You've lost an eye having been shot. You will now look differently on everything in your world.

Keep your other eye safe and remember to look inward as much as you look outward.

For many of the opportunities you seek, will come from within and many of the riches you yearn, will be the rewards of the many lessons you will endure and learn.

When things get hard, you will look for something or someone to blame.

The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it...

You've gotta hit as hard as life. It isn't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much can you take and keep moving forward?

If you know what you're worth, Go out and Get What Your Worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying you aren't where you wanna be because of him or her or anybody.

Cowards do that and they aren't you. You're better than that.

Now, what's the next goal or objective that you want to achieve?

Love


Fraser
#letter #year
  • Profile picture of the author betterwtveter
    Great letter, but I don't think I would say everything I would write my self in this forum because it is personal, but I would seriously tell myself these basic things:
    - Don't invest in one place, but diversify your retirement
    - Don't get into the rental housing business
    - Your Future wife works in the galley so you don't have to wait another year and a half to meet her.
    - Consider Internet Marketing When Someone Introduces a Direct Marketing Business to you.
    - Don't take a break in your marathon running, because you will keep getting better if you keep doing it.
    - Finally Stay close to god and he will stay close to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author rbates
    I really like the headline! Almost sounds like a WSO topic.

    I have thought about this before, as I have tried to give guidance to my 21-year old step son through the years. I guess telling one's self something might be a bit different. I guess the real
    question, at least for me, might be "Would I listen to MYSELF any better than I listened to others at that age?"

    Knowing myself, it is doubtful, but just maybe I might have thought through things a bit more before committing myself to many of those self-destructing episodes that teens tend to find for themselves.

    To me, 300 years ago: "Keep your doors locked!"
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  • Profile picture of the author HostWind
    16 year old me would want me to get straight to the point, so:
    Make better friends.
    Start thinking about the decisions that will change the course of your life before it's too late. You still have so much time, use it to develop your abilities in your later life, instead of goofing around.
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    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      You're going to need better friends. Likely some isolation to help you self reflect a bit. Screw the suicidal thoughts, you're better than that, things get massively better soon. You're going to need to think outside the box to get things going with your life. Philosophy sounds good, doesn't it? But there's no money behind it, right? Just stay on the internet and you should find your way.
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      • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
        Banned
        Re: What would you say in a letter to your 16 year old self?


        Dear HD,

        You should have gone for the brunette. That blonde fcuked you up big time.

        Adios.
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  • Profile picture of the author aliveder
    Dear A,

    Don't waste time on the guys that fancy you. Go with a guy that challenges you.

    Don't go to college. I know you are being pressured by Mom and Dad, but you have a business mind. Plus you hate waking up before 10!

    Trust your Gut!

    There is no blueprint for truly independent and successful people- that's why they are independent and successful- they challenge the status quo and don't give into the pressure.
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    Don't Forget To Give Thanks to Those That Have Helped You!

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    Mine would say to pick a different major in college and graduate school.... but also how to meet some of the wonderful women that I would other wise not meet if I did choose a different area of study. Lololol.
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    New Book! Radical Life Extension. Help me to hasten the defeat of aging.
    Michael Ten . Do Nothing Does . All Books by Michael Ten

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  • Profile picture of the author aduttonater
    Put down that cellphone, post some ads, and generate some jobs. It wasn't until 4 years later I decided to post ads, generate, jobs, receive income, and have been enjoying it since.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    I was a tough guy @ 16, and in all honesty a headstrong idiot, so I probably wouldn't listen.

    I had the strangest childhood. I had lots of "fun" shall we say, but I wouldn't have it any other way really.

    Life is hard, as the OP suggested, so what the hell; have some fun.

    I'm older now, and I have much less fun; I've turned into a curmudgeon only a decade later.

    I lived fast, and I aged faster.

    But, I was an idiot.

    (Wait, will I say the same thing about my current self in the future? Am i an idiot? Well, who cares. In 100 years nobody will care right?)

    Which reminds me.. I wish I would get a visit from my future self now.. That would be more valuable for me.

    But.. Hmmm..

    Ahhh..

    I would tell myself not to waste all of my money.

    And, for gods sake.. Stay out of trouble. (Maybe give a few more pointers that aren't appropriate for the context of this forum.. heh heh).

    PS: I'd also give me some good investment tips. Muahaha.

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  • Profile picture of the author DarioMontesdeOca
    Buy as many silver coins you can get your hands on...
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I had a lot of very good advice back then and listened to almost none of it.
    There was an excellent book that came out in 1988 titled: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

    I think it covers everything important in life for people of all ages. Here are the chapter titles:

    Share everything.

    Play fair.

    Don't hit people.

    Put things back where you found them.

    Clean up your own mess.

    Don't take things that aren't yours.

    Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

    Wash your hands before you eat.

    Flush.

    Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

    Live a balanced life - learn some and think some
    and draw and paint and sing and dance and play
    and work every day some.

    Take a nap every afternoon.

    When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic,
    hold hands, and stick together.

    Be aware of wonder.
    Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup:
    The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody
    really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

    Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even
    the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die.
    So do we.

    And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books
    and the first word you learned - the biggest
    word of all - LOOK.

    Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
    The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
    Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

    Take any of those items and extrapolate it into
    sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your
    family life or your work or your government or
    your world and it holds true and clear and firm.
    Think what a better world it would be if
    all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about
    three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with
    our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments
    had a basic policy to always put thing back where
    they found them and to clean up their own mess.

    And it is still true, no matter how old you
    are - when you go out into the world, it is best
    to hold hands and stick together.
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  • Profile picture of the author stan22
    There's only one thing you can say to "yourself" at any time of your (purported) existence:
    "Things happen as they happen, and there's nobody to assume the authorship."

    Forget about your goals, achievements, etc.
    Your so called free will is just a concept.
    You owe nothing to "yourself"!
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  • Profile picture of the author Madruga
    Dear Madruga,

    Here's a list with the winning numbers for the lottery of every week draws on from various country. Have fun!

    (......36 23 3 etc)

    Signed,
    Poor you.

    PS Get rich jackass!
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    • Profile picture of the author JSD Global
      This one may date me...lol.

      Dear You (Young Me),

      Read this every day when you wake up.

      Never lose your entrepreneurial spirit, you are on the right path.

      Read The Science of Getting Rich, As a Man Thinketh, and Think and Grow Rich, now.

      Invest in growing your business ideas, and your extra earnings in Apple Computer stock, rather than a IIe desktop, seriously, you'll be glad you did someday (and don't buy Atari or Commodore stock, they won't turn out the same way).

      Always save at least 10% of what you make first, and don't splurge on rubbish, but do enjoy the rewards of your efforts.

      Share the joy of your good fortune with others, but don't give that boxed Star Wars toy collection away (ah, never-mind, that kid loved 'em).

      Give away at least 10% of what you earn to worthy causes with no expectation of return (it will, 10 times over).

      Pay all your bills early or on time, always pay a little extra and keep your credit spotless, it will come in very handy some day, more than you know.

      Never believe someone else who tells you your ideas are not gonna work, especially when they haven't tried it.

      Stay vigilant and don't put things off.

      Conduct yourself with honor and integrity, in all matters

      Put all those real estate investing books you've read to good use, as soon as you are 18, if not sooner.

      Don't overdraw your checking account.

      Take action and keep working towards your goals.

      Think things through thoroughly, don't let the urges of instant gratification allow you to make stupid mistakes that you know you shouldn't and will regret later.

      When you make a mistake, give yourself a break, don't repeat it, (apologize sincerely if you've wronged someone in some way) and move on.

      You really can achieve anything you desire.

      Do right by everyone you meet, always.

      Control your temper...think it through...mellow out.

      Don't stress over a perceived lack of money, it'll turn your hair gray.

      Learn to meditate, and do it daily.

      Keep healthy and fit, eat well, drink more water, and don't forget to brush, and floss, after every meal.

      Never stop learning.

      Be thankful and grateful for everything.

      Pay it forward.

      Appreciate everyone as they are.

      Live, love and laugh...enjoy every moment of your life and journey!

      Sincerely,
      Older, Wiser You (Me)

      P.S. Travel and see the world, every opportunity you get.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Captain's Log, Stardate 1986. Have parents 2nd mortgage the house, invest every penny on Microsofts IPO on March 14th 1986, lose the mullet, keep the Camaro & drive the 700 miles.
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  • Profile picture of the author mannyconrady
    Dear Manny,

    This letter was written by you 20 years from now. What a shame! LOL

    Regards,

    Manny
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  • Profile picture of the author therenegadeleader
    Well, I would say "You did good and keep it up".
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    The Renegade Leader
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