I’m writing this from our bedroom — yeah, the same one you’re sitting in right now, surrounded by those Pokemon cards you think will be worth millions someday. (Spoiler alert: Keep them anyway. Not for the money, but for the memories.)
About Those Video Games…
Keep playing them. But here’s the thing — while you’re button-mashing through Super Mario, you could also be learning to code your own games. Those hours you spend imagining new levels? That’s creativity begging to break free. Trust me, knowing how to create something from scratch will feel better than any high score.
I know you think being quiet makes you invisible. It doesn’t. It just makes you miss out on some of the best friendships you’ll never have. That kid who keeps inviting you to play basketball at recess? Say yes. The birthday party you’re planning to skip because social situations make your stomach hurt? Go.
The world isn’t as scary as it seems from behind that book you’re using as a shield.
More Than Just A+ Papers
Listen, those perfect grades you’re chasing? They matter, but not as much as you think. What matters more:
- Learning to speak in public (even when your voice shakes)
- Understanding how money works (beyond your piggy bank)
- Creating things with your hands (remember how much you loved that one art class?)
- Learning a musical instrument (Mom was right about those piano lessons)
The Adventures You’re Missing
Stop saying no to:
- School trips (even if your best friend isn’t going)
- Summer camps (being homesick is temporary, memories are forever)
- New sports (being bad at something is the first step to being good at it)
- Birthday parties (your social battery will thank you later)
That comfortable little bubble you’ve created? It’s actually a cage. Every time you say “I’m fine staying home,” you’re missing a chance to become the person you could be.
What School Doesn’t Teach You
You know those doodles in your notebook margins? They’re trying to tell you something. Creative skills aren’t just hobbies — they’re superpowers. Learn:
- Photography (Dad’s old camera isn’t just for collecting dust)
- Writing (beyond book reports)
- Drawing (even if your stick figures look drunk)
- Building things (Legos are just the beginning)
That lunch table you eat alone at? It’s not protecting you. It’s robbing you of inside jokes, midnight conversations, and friendships that could last decades. The cool thing about friends is they don’t care if you’re perfect — they care if you’re real.
Stop complaining about weekend family trips. One day, you’ll realize those boring car rides, singing off-key with Mom, and Dad’s terrible jokes were actually the good old days. Take more pictures. Ask more questions. Stay awake for the journey.
The Skills That Actually Matter
Beyond textbooks, learn:
- How to tell a good story
- How to make people laugh
- How to listen (really listen)
- How to fail and get back up
- How to see beauty in ordinary things
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind: those “weird” things you try to hide? Your quirky interests, your different way of seeing things, your intense curiosity about random stuff — that’s not baggage. That’s your treasure. Those are the things that will make you, you.
My The Promise
I promise you:
- The bullies won’t matter in a few years
- Your awkward phase isn’t as awkward as you think
- Those embarrassing moments won’t even make good stories later
- Your real adventures haven’t even started yet
One Last Thing
Put down that math textbook sometimes. Look up from that gameboy. Say yes to the scary things. The best memories don’t happen in your comfort zone.
And hey… that LEGO Death Star you’re saving up for? Buy it. Build it. But invite friends over to help.
Love, Your 27-year-old self
P.S. Hug Mom more. Tell Dad his jokes are funny (even when they’re not). And for the love of everything, BACK UP YOUR MINECRAFT WORLDS.