Dear Sky,
You’re only eleven now, and you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Your main focus at this time is having fun and making sure I don’t embarrass you around your friends (I promise I’m trying very hard, although it might not seem like it).
In a few years, it’s likely your focus will shift a little, and you’ll begin to ask yourself some difficult questions. What will you do? Where will you go? What will high school be like? How will you leave your mark on this busy, noisy, uncertain world?
I don’t have all the answers. And you already know this. But here are a few tips that might help you navigate life moving forward, regardless of your age or what’s happening in your life. In no particular order, here is some life advice I can offer you…
Laugh every day and appreciate the absurdity of life. If you take it too seriously, life will swallow you whole and spit you out before you have a chance to really enjoy it. Be silly. Be whimsical. Create magic and take yourself lightly.
Don’t rush. Slow down, take your time, and strive to live in the moment.
Create beauty wherever you can. Plant a garden, leave an uplifting note in a public place, or decorate your vehicle with something that will bring a smile to people’s faces.
Learning something new is more important than proving you know everything. There is always more to learn. Stay humble and remain curious.
It may seem as though “likes” and “subscribes” are the measuring stick of a person’s worth. Social media tries to brainwash kids into believing this is true. Don’t fall for it. The most important thing is that you “like” yourself. “Subscribe” to the people you love and the values you believe in. The rest is just smoke and mirrors.
Don’t worry about being popular. Strive to be genuine.
Never stop reading. It’s great for the mind and the soul.
Don’t rely on brain power alone. Study hard. Work hard. Do your best. You can get by on talent alone, but when effort meets talent, a whole world of opportunities will open up for you.
No matter who believes in you, the most important thing is that you believe in YOURSELF. Those who supported you will celebrate your accomplishments, and those who doubted you will marvel at your victories.
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