Fides Media Living the Faith
By Amarachukwu Okpunobi
Dear Me,
It’s been a while. It took me some time to recognise you since well, quite a lot has changed. I wished you’d have put down some questions for me to answer today because it’s hard trying to tell what you would have wanted to know. There’s still a lot I want to tell you though.
I’m not sure you ever wanted advice from someone like me before making decisions but I know you would be more than interested in what I have to say. So, even though you didn’t ask, here’s a little piece of advice for the road.
*****
To the 5-year-old version of me running around without a care in the world. It still surprises me how small we were back then but don’t worry, at this age size doesn’t matter. We’re also in kindergarten by now and probably learning how to read simple two and three-letter words.
Although it may seem like the hardest thing right now, believe me, it’s not, actually reading is quite fun once you get the hang of it. It can be a time machine; taking you back to the past and even to the future! It can be a magical plane ticket, taking you places you couldn’t
possibly imagine! It can also be your favourite teacher, teaching you truly amazing things but hey, who am I to spoil the fun ? So I guess I’ll leave you to find that out for yourself.
Don’t worry about what others think or say about you. Opinions wear out over time, Besides it’s all part of what makes every single one of us special. And one more thing, worry less about growing up and more about enjoying your time as a kid with your friends, Man I miss those guys. You’re off to a great start. Now get back to your homework and make sure you finish it, alright? Take care.
*****
To the 10-year-old version of me diving head-first into
puberty: Well, well, well, look at who’s finally beginning to grow up. It may seem exciting at first but don’t get too ahead of yourself, you’re not quite there yet. I know school’s getting quite stressful and you’re beginning to develop certain feelings towards yourself and others.
It’s completely normal, especially at this age but just don’t allow those feelings to overshadow your logic and push you to act out of place. You’re entering a point in time where your actions will matter in the next five to ten years so, don’t do anything I would regret now and you’ll turn out great.
You’ve probably heard this a thousand times but I’m going to make this the thousand and first time you hear it. At this age, focus on developing yourself, take your books seriously, and love the experience of learning new things because believe me, it doesn’t end after school. Don’t forget to be a little bit more social and it’ll go a long way. Keep on doing what you’re doing and you will make it through eventually.
******
To the 15-year-old version of me questioning what the future holds: You are just beginning to get a taste of
life. The air hits different once independence starts kicking in. It begins to smell like bills, expenses and responsibilities. Gone are the days when you could point to anything and just like that, it’s in the palm of your hands. Now, you’ve got to work smart for what you want but I’m sure you knew that already.
As part of the package of growing up, you’ll also have concerns about the direction you want your life to go. Well, one thing you should know is not to rush such decisions. Heck don’t rush any kind of decision in life(I learnt that the hard way), no matter how grand or basic it may be.
All your actions should be deliberate with purpose and intent. Don’t worry if you don’t know where you want to go with your life from here. Some 30-year-olds still don’t know where their life is heading and you’re only 15, so relax.
So far so good, you’re on the right track, just keep reading and exposing yourself to as much information as possible and once the time comes you’ll know what to do. Take care and Good Luck with life.
See you in the mirror,
Sincerely,
Emmanuel 2022
By Emmanuel Cobbinah