Like the prompt stated, I've actually fantasied about writing to my future self, but reading this prompt got me thinking, "What about my younger self? The guy whose actions are responsible for the person I am today." I think it would be a good idea to reach out to that old fella. This is how the structure of my letter would go:
Dear Younger me,
How are you doing over there? I know it must be strange for you to hear from me; you probably was never expecting it, I guess. I guess life has a way of bringing unexpected things your way. It's a lot different over here compared to how things were (or are) at your side, but I wouldn't want to fill you in on it because it may shift your focus from what you're dealing with currently. So I'll prefer you see and experience them yourself.
I want to start off by commending you about a couple of things, one of which is your resilience. That's one thing I'm proud of you about. You remember how you sat for the JAMB examinations four good consecutive times before you gained admission into the University? That was quite a thing.
Even though people used it to make fun of you, saying that JAMB was supposed to give you a branded T-shirt for participating in the exams for that number of times, you still didn't really pay attention to them because you knew where you were headed. There are a load of things I just can't begin to mention that I would love to commend you for.
If not for anything, at least the type of association you chose to be with. Though you came across all manner of friends/peers, many of them who indulged in certain lifestyles, though they were tempting and you were given a thousand and one reasons why you should live such a life as they did, you still remained firm about not compromising.
I've heard of a lot of parents complaining out loud how their children had been a thorn in the flesh, but your case was quite different. You were the kind of child that the parents would say, "I am proud of you," with so much delight. Of course you're not perfect, but you deserve to be given some flowers for your endeavors.
However, I'd like to give you a little piece of advice. I want you to be very intentional about the kind of friends or company you keep. There are long-term friends, and there are short-term friends. Be careful not to mistake the two for each other. It's important to know which category to classify a friend. Long-term friends are more important to you concerning where you hope to be in the future.
Any friend in which you are a planning on being long-term with, if you are don't see the possibility of that person adding anything meaningful to your life, I suggest you should not waste your time with that person. Remember I promised not to tell you what your future–which is my present–is like, but I'll give you this little tip because what I'm telling you about right now affected my life and I wouldn't want the same thing for you.
There are friends with you that have really great potentials, and if you examine them properly you'll realize this. Hold them really close. Those are the kind of friends you are meant to keep. Spend more time with them than you do with the rest. I'm telling you these because they'll be a time that they'll leave the same level they are with you unto a much better one and by then it may be to late to start building connection with them.
Start early. One thing you can never regard as your friend or expect to be on your side is Time. It rolls away so fast within a twinkle of an eye. Trust me, it's much better doing things earlier than procrastinating them. It'll amaze you how fast you'll come of age and begin to take responsibility over yourself. At that time, it is the amount of knowledge and experience you have acquired that will help you out.
Start now to invest in yourself, you'll be glad you did. There's so much more I wish to write to you about but I guess I'll have to save it for next time. Till then, have a nice life.
Your faithfully,
The Future.
