Advice to My 10-Year-Old Self

Dear Andy, this is you from the future. Over the next thirty-three years, you’re in for one heck of an adventure. It won’t always be easy, but the good times will far outweigh the challenging ones. As you’ve already learned from watching Back to the Future movies, it’s unwise for time travelers to share too much information about the future. It can really mess things up and create a weird paradox. So, I can’t give you too many spoilers. But trust me when I say that things generally have a happy ending because life has a way of working itself out. Here are some things I want you to know. They won’t alter the course of your destiny, but they might make the journey a little less bumpy. Take it or leave it, here are some things I wish I knew at your age.

1. Having fun is more important than winning. I know you don’t believe your coach when he tells you that, but it’s absolutely true.

2. Keep drawing, writing, and being creative. It’s a very important part of who you are, and it’s good for your soul.

3. Stay curious and keep asking difficult questions. Surround yourself with people who encourage your curiosity and make learning fun.

4. Be nice to your sister. She’s the only one you have.

5. If your brother promises to take turns, get that in writing.

6. Pay more attention to politics in your youth. It matters more than you realize.

7. I know you’re struggling with the strict rules enforced at school. Even today, I think most of them are silly. But just remember, you won’t be there forever. You may forget the homework assignments and the facts you memorized for tests, but you’ll never forget the friendships, so be sure to treasure them while you can.

8. High school will be a challenge, but college will mostly be fun.

9. If Dad is free, spend more time with him. I can’t stress this enough.

10. I know you feel different than other kids. There’s a reason for this, and it will make more sense when you’re older.

11. Don’t worry about fitting in or standing out. Just be your authentic self.

12. Fess up and own it when you make a mistake. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be honest.

13. It’s okay to feel big feelings. It’s normal to feel anger, sadness, and disappointment. You don’t need to hide or ignore these emotions, but do your best to express them in a healthy way.

14. Realize there is SO much more to learn - about yourself, about life, and about reality itself. Stay curious, and stay humble.

15. Big things right now will seem like little things when you’re older. Keep everything in perspective.