There may be a time—maybe it’s this very moment, maybe it’s next week, or maybe it’s years after…when the world becomes too loud. Not just in sound, but maybe pressure, expectations, or even over-excitement and anticipation. On those days, your existence doesn’t whisper; it just shouts.

And all the noise numbs what truly matters. Makes us forget. Makes us forget the strength— the kind Napoleon Hill hinted at in "Think and Grow Rich"; the strength that made our spiritual steel. We forget the dreams tucked away safely inside the chambers of our hearts. We forget that we need to exhale.

So here’s a letter, not just to me, but to you, us, anyone who needs it the most. Consider this to be a handwritten note from your past self, sealed with courage and stamped with hope.

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Dear Future Self,

Hi. If you’re reading this you’re probably somewhere in between “I’m fine” and “I want to disappear in a forest for a week and come back as a floating, unbothered cloud.” Fair enough.

Maybe you’re trying to meet your own expectations, or dreams that feel too far away. Maybe you’re just tired; the kind a 30-minute nap won’t fix. First of all, I want you to know, it’s not the end of the world.

You’re becoming. Growth is loud. Change is uncomfortable and unpredictable and messy and you’re doing it—even if it doesn’t feel picture-perfect or story-worthy. Think back, and try to remember all those days you felt would break you. If you’re reading this, I assume not. Look at you. Still here. Still breathing, and full of dreams that will never, ever die.

On the days you feel like a background character in your own story, just remember, no one else matters. You are the main character.

I want you to stop scrolling mindlessly, stop pretending it’s okay when you’re spiraling. Let this be a reminder for you to take a big, ridiculously exaggerated breath. That’s better isn’t it? Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity you know.

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida

When the world gets too loud, I want you to go seek the quiet. Somewhere only we know. Open the window and listen to the birdsongs.

Wrap yourself in a blanket-burrito which hugs you, when no one does. Write nonsense in your journals, and watch *that one nostalgic movie*[Hello, Harry Potter!]. Dance in the kitchen at 1 AM, wait for the clock to strike 11:11 and make a wish. And, talk to the moon if you need to. He’s a great listener.

Anyways, more importantly, the dreams you tucked away because they felt “too big” or “too much”? Dust those beliefs, and those mini-voices saying you can’t do it off. Yeah, about the dreams of that life you want to build.

All the trips you wanna take. The books you wanna read, and write.

You can. And I know you will. Maybe not at once.

Because my dear friend, there’s no such thing as a final destination. It’s the little milestones which you make along the journey that matter. Yeah, even the embarrassing moments. As you’re reading, let this be a small act of rebellion—let the words spark some belief in you. Just a wee bit. In yourself, the future ahead for you which I know is so bright for you, and the magic about to happen.Just because today feels unbearable, doesn’t mean it’ll always be unbearable, darling. Feelings don’t write your story.

Last of all, I’d like to tell you four words—you are not alone. Read them again. Even when you’re surrounded by loads of people, and you feel like a ghost, and when you feel like no one will ever understand your messed up thoughts—I bet you…there’s always someone.

Reach out, and ask for help if you need it. You’re not a burden—-you’re human, and you’re meant to be here. There’s going to be someone…somewhere, who will sit through your silence, and hold your hand in the dark. You’ll find them; trust me on this.

So my dear future self, when life feels like a static radio, and the volume won’t lower even a bit, come back to this letter. Let the familiarity and the scent of home take you back, keep you grounded, and let your imagination run wild, and shine.

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If you’ve dreamed of those best days, thousands of times, they aren’t behind you. They’re literally out there, waiting for you. So, drink some water, wipe your tears, and keep going like the clock does.

With all the love and positive energy in the world, signed with the best intentions,

Your Past Self—who knew you would need this, and the same one who knows you will get that life you’ve always aspired to live.