Writing a letter to tell yourself something is weird. I mean it seems stupid, right? But it’s important because no one else will know you better than yourself. Sometimes you need to take a minute to jot down a few things that you want yourself to remember. And today, that’s what I finally decided to pen down. A lot of times I have thought about what I really want to tell myself if I get the chance to and the list seems endless. Some incidents leave their stains on your heart and a few manage to squeeze pure droplets from your eyes too while some others simply make you laugh. But you lived through them — the highs, lows and constants- and that’s what matters. Whether you went to bed happy or wet your pillow (with tears), the sun still came up to give you a new day to do everything you wanted to do. So for the first time, I am going to lecture myself. I am hoping that though a lot of people have told me this (first place unanimously won by Amma), listening to it in my own voice will maybe make me remember them. So here goes, (will try my best to not make it preachy)10 things I want The Whimsical Kid to know –
1.Remember the beautiful things that ended — People walk in and they walk out. It is all part of life. And sometimes it sucks. Things you thought would work out, ultimately don’t. Some may break your heart, some your trust and sometimes it’s nobody’s fault. But what matters is this — it was beautiful while it lasted. Know that the smiles, meet ups, phone calls and laughs were all true. If they aren’t there anymore in your life, learn to let go. If it doesn’t work out, learn to accept. And when nothing seems to be falling into place, learn to remember the beautiful things in a beautiful way. Because they are the by lines with which you need to remember the people that knocked at your door.
2.Follow your heart– A very important person told me once “Follow your heart.” And I would pass this on to the world at every chance. You know that moment when you are at a diverging point and as famously stated, you don’t know if you should choose the road not taken? Well, that’s the point when you close your eyes and listen to your heart. I don’t mean the lub-dub sounding heart beats but your gut. We are blessed with an intuition that possesses far more knowledge than we realize. Listen to it. You may not always find a reason but just a prickly sensation at the back of your neck giving you a silent warning — pay attention to it. That heart of yours knows what makes you happy more than anyone else. So follow it.
3.Learn to be happy on your own– If my mother is reading this, she would have probably rolled her eyes by now. She told me this for 21 years and I decided to pay heed to it now. And yes, I am sorry for not listening and no, I will not repeat it next time. Being the stubborn kid I am, it took me a while to even understand this and I am still learning it. It’s hard, right? How do you just smile at yourself, hug yourself and be happy all by yourself? But well, a melted Cad-bury in my mouth and good music ringing in my ears, I got a vague idea of what people meant. More than anything, depending on someone else for your happiness will hurt you. So don’t do it. Don’t trust your happiness in the hands of anyone. It’s the most precious thing to you and you should know to be happy on your own by now. Unless you have a dog. If you do, the above point does NOT apply to you.
4.It’s okay to cry…even if you don’t know the reason– Those moments when you sink down on the bathroom floor and cry alone, not knowing what’s got you so blue in the first place? It’s fine. It happens to each one of us and it is absolutely okay to let go. Bride Wars (I am a sucker for rom coms) reference- “You don’t have to have it together every minute of every day. It’s okay.” And if you don’t want to share it with someone, just press a steel spoon against your eyes to cool the puffiness and redness. (It works!)
5.Find the one thing that gives you comfort– So anyone who remotely knows me is well aware of my obsession with fairy lights. There is something about those tiny bulbs that make me happy. Very strangely, they make me feel hopeful. And there is no better feeling than that. Know the things that make you feel okay. It doesn’t matter if they are inanimate. Keep them close. They are saviors in bleh days.
6.Never stop looking to learn more– Learning never stops. There is so much to explore, learn and do in this huge round bluish green ball we call Earth! Always look out for every corner that has a tiny learning lesson tucked into it. Look out for the random stranger on the road with a gleam in his eye and a story to tell. Those are real lessons we learn.
7.Always eat that extra chocolate your heart cries for– ALWAYS. I have taken an oath to eat it when I want it. Well, I will end up ticking at least one thing on this list for sure after this. *nomnom*
8.Do it. Get a tattoo. Colour your hair. Go on a trip. DO IT! — I have a secret Fancy List (To do list/ Wish list seemed mainstream). Make a list and do those spontaneous things. These pave way to pretty great memories down the lane.
9.Stop doubting yourself…right now– I just wrote this to remind myself of the one thing I can never seem to get right. But, sometime in the near future, I hope we all can stop doubting ourselves. Self-doubt is a serial killer of dreams. Cause given how bad we believe the world to be… if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
10.Believe in the magic of the universe — Clarification: It has nothing to do with being religious. Call me a kid but I like to believe in the magic of the universe. It doesn’t mean everything always works out (refer point 1) nor does it mean you will always get what you want. But somewhere along the way, after the choices and decisions we make, we will find solace. And even if we can’t see it now, down the road it will be okay. It will all be okay; some day for sure.
*Striking one more thing off the fancy list*
-With a lot of love, chocolate and fairy lights
-The Whimsical kid.
