Letter to Me (Episode 1)

Good afternoon, my Lovelies! I hope this bright and beautiful Saturday afternoon finds you happy, healthy and healing from the shit that life has undoubtedly thrown at you lately.

In case you hadn't noticed, since the first couple of weeks in January, all of my Blogs have had a song listed as the title. I often find inspiration for my Blogs while I'm driving to and from work, passing the time on my long, boring drives by singing and thinking. If you find a Blog title is a song that you are unfamiliar with, or are uncertain which artist performed it (let's face it, song titles are often repeated by different artists), shoot me a message and I'll be glad to pass the information along to you as it may help you understand my frame of mind while I'm writing.

One of my favorite artists and songwriters is a man who has such a way with words that hearing his songs often leaves me in amazement at his genius. His words are often touching, or catchy, or fit together so well it's as if it is a fait accompli. His music is the same, simply meant to be. Who am I talking about? Brad Paisley. For those of you not familiar with country music, he may be a new name for you, but he has been around for a while and I really enjoy listening to him.

So today's song title belongs to him. The first time I heard this song I think I listened to it on repeat for a solid hour. Since then I've often asked myself, "If you could write a letter to yourself as a teenager/young adult, what would you say?" So, here we go.

First of all, you'll know this really is future me because nobody else would know about the nights you drive to your thinking spot and spend hours crying over nothing, over everything, over the feeling of how out of control your life feels - hopeless and helpless. Yes, it really is me. Trust me when I say that things get better and taking that time to yourself, while it seems ridiculous and a little psychotic right now, really is a great way for you to learn about yourself, and how to process the world around you.

You know that guy that you've loved since you were thirteen? Go ahead and love him. It's okay and I promise he isn't going to be a mistake. It isn't going to work out, but that's alright. It was never meant to be, yet it had to be. Loving him as deeply as you do is a step that you have to take to become the person you will eventually be. One of these days you will thank him for being a typical teenage boy.

You know that girl? The one who seems to have everything, including the attention of your guy? Be more understanding to her, nicer to her, as things aren't always what they seem. Life won't be the kindest to her and she needs all the friends she can get.

Spend as much time with your friends as you possibly can. Be wild, be crazy, and cherish every moment. You don't realize just how quickly life moves, and you and those you hold closest will soon be scattered across the country, thrust into adulthood and responsibilities. Oh, and when you guys skip out on school during your senior year, put on a seatbelt and hold on tight when y'all end up going hill-topping. You'll thank me later.

For the love of... PAY ATTENTION during your math and history courses! You're smarter than you give yourself credit for and you can do better. Practice hard every day and don't let some asshole college professor tell you that your talent isn't enough. You're amazing. You're talented. Music has always been there for you and never let you down, so don't you dare give up on it.

When that guy at work pays attention to you and you see the direction of his thoughts, don't hesitate. It doesn't matter what your relationship status is at that point because you're eventually going to end up there anyway. Don't waste time debating, just go for it and enjoy it. You need each other and, honey.... he is going to rock your world, thoroughly and often. And you know what else? When all is said and done, you're going to remain friends and acknowledge just how important your time together was.

Spend a little more time with Nanny and Grandma. They'll be gone before you know it. And, not to scare you, but pay a little more attention to Mom and Dad's health. You're not going to like what is coming. 

Breathe. Read. Write. You'll thank me one day.

    ...to be continued.

As always,

Much love from me to you!

Shelly (a/k/a Dawn Love)