A conversation with my best friend from high school on social media yesterday prompted me to give this some thought. It also kept me awake last night thinking about it. Step into the wayback machine with me and let’s visit 1976 when I was 17.
Use your scholarship. Leave Princeton. Cultivate friendship. Find and follow your passion. There’s no shame in changing your mind. Get to know your parents as people; they won’t be here for much longer. Set a course / keep your eye on the horizon / adjust as necessary. Keep your options open. Life is difficult. Don’t ignore red flags. You are magnificent. Protect yourself—body and soul. There’s no shame. Branch out. Do hard things—yours, no one else’s. Find your faith. Embrace divine mystery. Establish a regular writing practice. You’re going to love technology (don’t worry, that won’t mean anything for a few years yet). Protect your peace. Be discerning in who you allow in. Set and maintain boundaries. Get a Moleskine notebook. Try sushi. Visit England. Make a list of non-negotiables and refer to it often. Live your life, no one else’s. Return to Saskatchewan—for a visit or forever, depending on what you find there. You are beloved (understanding this is of utmost importance). Everyone else is just as confused as you are. There’s much wisdom in Desiderata. Write more poetry. Read more poetry. Don’t settle. Don’t rush. Don’t hold on too long. Read deep and wide. When you’re uncomfortable, leave. Practice. Listen to more classical music. You’re not the only one. Choices you make today will influence the rest of your life and the lives of your future generations. You’re going to make mistakes. They are all redeemable.
P.S. Don’t go to the Elks Club on February 25, 1977.
I’m intrigued by the P.S. 😀