Here I sit in my 70 th year on earth… Wow, how did that happen so quickly? My business coach encouraged me to write a note to my Younger version of Bruce. When we think about it, when we share with our friends, family, clients and other people, are we not reflections of who we have been? Reflections and shadows of our experiences, dreams, nightmares, successes, failures, adventures and misadventures?
So here goes nothing, the first in a series of letters to Bruce, with a focus on a different previous age, timeline.
Dear Bruce,
I know that it is easy for me, now in my seventyith year to say, “Hang in There”. Do you recall that those are the last words both your Dad and your mentor and friend John said to you before they passed away. Ironically, both these men were also about 70 years old. AAAAHH, those devine coincidences happen over and over again. Watch out for coincidences, maybe they are not so random as you think they are, don’t you think?
You are now only Thirty years old! I know, I know, you have screwed it all up, there is not way out of the disaster you have created, I know, I know, it’s hopeless! Shut up, listen to me…. HANG in There. You have this thing, that thing, the other thing wrong with you….. Shut up, you are the best you today, that you are cabable and willing to be….. Don’t you think, especially now, on reflection, Don’t you think?
That’s a good question, “Don’t you Think.” If only I could give you my perspective from this lofty point of view, 40 years later. But, I have confidence that everything will be OK, Hang in there. Think things through, don’t act rashly, don’t overeact, THINK THINK THINK, then Think again before you leap. I know, it will seem like you are not doing this thinking thing, but just believe me, you are doing fine, and everything will work out, maybe not the way you want it to, or what you think will happen, but it will all be fine, beleive me.
Hang in There. You are going to face a collapse of your marriage, loss of a carreer, reinvention of your work path ( over and over again) , failed relationships, loss of memory of the most important names in your life, poor health, renewal after renewal after renewal, remarriage to a great new life partner, (can’t tell her name yet), resurrection of a lost daughter, and getting up from the ground so many times that you will develop a chronic pain in the back and yes, YOU are a PAIN in the neck.
Hang in there. Remember, everywhere you go, everything you do, there you are, right in front of you in the mirror. Try not to despair. Find the courage to ask for help. Find the courage to embrace yourself, yes, your true self, warts and all………..Neurospiciness, ADHD, Anxiety, impulsivity, it’s all part the divine you that is YOU There will be a star revealed to you who will guide you in the most surprising ways. Look to the western sky in the evening hours.
Hang in there, I know it will work out. Easy for me to say, isn’t it?
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