21

I decided to carry out a project and part of the stories I collected were of people who were 21 before me. From one year after 21, five, 10, 20 years after and so on. As I was looking for someone to help me in this, and believe me, I scoured the earth, I discovered I was trying to look ‘beyond what I see’ like Timon and Pumba (did you guys watch the new lion king?) when actually, I should have been looking right next to me.

I was sitting, eating ice-cream with my friend, Blue, who is also a foodie and a part-time over thinker and we were sharing about 2018. Her stories of that year blew me away. Then I realized, she was 21 when all these things were happening. With (shockingly) a little coaxing, she agreed to write a letter to her 21 year old self. Telling her all the things that girl needed to know. 

Without further ado…

Dear Blue,

Hey. If I told you I was you from the future you wouldn’t believe me. I know I am you. But I would want you to listen and listen well (or is it read) because I am about to give you a heads up of what is to follow. Though true nerds and geeks everywhere would consider what I’m about to do as taboo as it may cause a rift in the space time continuum. Maybe it might cause the universe to implode upon itself or cause an alternate reality far worse than what awaits us as the universe has a way of rectifying such things… Balance, as Thanos would call it (You aren’t ready for End game). I don’t know if any of that is true though so to be on the safe side I’ll try keeping it sketchy.

On the day of May the 7th you turn 21. (Happy birthday by the way) Turning a year older is exciting. I know I was there. But as you have realized by now, 2018 hasn’t really panned out to be “your year” as you had anticipated. I know as your nature you are optimistic that it will pick up but, I hate to break it to you kiddo, it won’t. So get ready. 2018 will be the toughest year yet.

Later you will learn that not everyone who you give your love to, deserves it. And it will cause you much heartache. You will learn that you shouldn’t change who you are so that you can please anyone. You will learn that in this world there are good and bad people. Later you will learn that there are different types of people; there are bad people who are just bad and there are good ones who are genuinely good. 

You will know that there are bad people masquerading as good people and good people who pretend to be hard or tough and bad not because they are, but because they have been hurt enough, and use that facade as armor so that they can protect themselves, guard their hearts (Something we are yet to learn).

I’m glad you have already learned that you can’t change people but later on you will learn that you can’t prevent them from walking away. That being said, you will lose friends and you won’t be able to know where it all went wrong except assure them that you will always be there and care for them. However, there are some you will lose and frankly speaking, will be for the best. Though for some, it will hurt, a lot, but for others you won’t even bat (not sure about this spelling…hehehe…but you get the gist) an eyelid. However though, not everyone who walks away wants to be alone. I know you are a master at staying away when you don’t feel wanted. But later you will know that it’s not always best to stay away. That distance sometime is a cry for help.

You already know the value of friends but later on you will know how to cherish and appreciate them more. You will learn that friendship takes work and most of it consists of spending quality time together. Either sharing a meal, ice cream, soda or just sit doing nothing. You will realize that when it’s all said and done, they are the strong hold that you will run to. That they are the family you never had and sometime they will also need to lean on you. 

You will later discover the importance of talking and letting it all out. Later, you will know that just like you, they have had to face demons you knew nothing about. But fret not as this will make you strive to be better. Not for you, But for them.

You will finally find your calling. You will rediscover yourself and get a clear notion of what you want to do with your life. (I am loving it and you might not die poor after all) So trust me when I say that God is faithful and keep calm and enjoy life now.

You will for the second time taste alcohol and try weed but you won’t be an alcoholic or drug addict.

As is with any other year, this one will be filled with both high and low moments. The low ones will overshadow the high ones. You will for the first time cry because of a man! On some days you will wake up and not feel like going or doing anything. On other days, you will wake up and wonder why you are awake. Other days you will break down and just want to end it all. You won’t. But hang in there. If not for yourself, for the people who look up to you. If not for you, for your family and friends. If not for you, do it for your baby (who happens to be the most adorable dog who will bring you so much happiness every time you see him, every time you’ve had a tough day and you get home and he’s the first one to greet you.)

You know he will need a good, loving home which is what you will provide for him. Do it for your future husband. Do it for the children in your loins (always wanted to use that. I don’t care whether it’s grammatically correct or not. I’m taking it off my bucket list which I’ll make some time. Guess we will both know when we get to the future). Do it for all the people who will hear your story and get inspired not to end it. Just keep at it.

That having been said, come 2019 but before your birthday (you’ll still be 21), you will discover the art of self-love. Because you can’t show love to someone if you don’t have it yourself. Also how will you know how to be treated if you yourself don’t know your worth? So you will begin the journey. Unlike 2018, 2019 will be wonderful to you from the word go. Things actually do get better (Insert smiley face).

 However, guys will still confuse you. A lot. So it’s no surprise that you are still single and that “I want to get married by 24 latest 25” is starting to look more like 40. Especially there is one who will confuse you to kingdom come until you’ll give up and just let things go as they will. You will finally watch game of thrones (it’s actually very nice) but the crown jewel will be watching Avengers Endgame. Such a lovely way to end the year. Don’t you think?

Keep on keeping on (whatever that means) and always remember things do get better.

Forever you,

Blue.

See you guys Wednesday... 

Also that strong wind that has been blowing, has it been happening everywhere?