A letter to my teenage self

Inspired by YouTube's #DearMe initiative, this is the wisdom I would share with my teenage self. My teenage 18-year-old self.

Dear Me,

18 years ahead and I still haven’t figured out much of my life. So, wisdom doesn’t really come with age or some of it does. 

First up, drop that packet of chips. Yes, the one you are going to demolish in the next 30 seconds. Seema may coolly dismiss it in the TV and say, “I don’t care” but you will, ten years from now. Whatever you do, keep that packet of Hide and Seek away from you. You’re going to finish them before you finish reading the next sentence of the lesson you are supposed to be memorising. And that is a habit you will keep with you for the rest of the college years. Still you will be thinner than you are now. (Hey! Don’t blame me. You’re the one who introduced me to the joys of eating burgers!)

Speaking of lessons, if you can, just try and memorize your way through Economics. Not that maths is going to get any better over time, but you’ll feel good for not just scraping through the subject. And go for the History Honours; a few love stories have blossomed there. In fact, you are in middle of your very own love story. You’ve met him already. And no, he’s not being nice to you just because he is a ‘nice guy’. He likes you. So, when he asks you out don’t blink or pretend that you didn’t hear or worse still make a joke of it. He is a nice guy, so he’ll pretend otherwise too. If you fall out of love with him, know this — distance doesn’t really matter to him. He is there, no matter what. He’ll turn up when you least expect and make you fall in love all over again. You want to know a secret. He is kind of famous. 

Famous is also the other ‘love interest’. The one you’ve ignored and avoided (and denied any existence of to the family) for five long years. Let’s just say, he ages like fine wine.

Your love for books remains. Better than ever. And you’ll discover new genres of the … ahem… interesting kind. Speaking of which, you may not believe this, but writing is something you’ll find yourself doing. And yeah, protect and defend what you write especially from snooty college editors!

And did I tell you, you’ll pick up an American accent? Only for a short while. Don’t worry; it won’t be affected like your south-Bombay friends. Okay, it will be affected but only because you would have to put it on to be understood.

Trust in your instinct. So far, you’ve done well with it. So the girl with the big red bag in college that you secretly hoped you could be, befriend her stat! She is the kind of person you want to have in your life. Plus, definitely stay away from the ‘giraffe’. He is interested. And I’m saving you from a very awkward future episode.

One thing that you need to do above all else: Let go of your fear. Think of everyone here as normal people, not all are privileged. Don’t let them overwhelm you; speak up. That’s all. Stepping back will drown you. And I’m saving you from therapy.

Listen to dad, talk to him some more; you’ll want these memories you have of him, no matter how silly. And mom? I know right now she seems like the strictest mother ever but trust me she knows what she’s asking of you. You’ll be surprised if I tell you that you can joke and laugh with her about her rules later. Also, she is really a very strong woman! You want to be like her.

Learn to jive. How can you call yourself a Goan and not know to jive! Okay, given that you don’t speak the language even now but dance? Dance defines your Goan-ness. And cycling… not needed but just get it done with. Who wants to admit they don’t know how to cycle? And lest I forget, hone those mimicry skills! You are going to lose them by not practicing.

Things may seem just a bit confusing now but to many you come across as a level-headed, sensible person. Atta girl! Now just amp up that fun element and you could be the Prom Queen! Just kidding. (You do get to attend the prom, though. And no curfew!)

Remember all the wonderful things you dreamed and wished that science could do to make your life easier? Or to escape domestic chores? Well, some of them do turn true! (Cue: Gleeful claps.) But no carpet rides or teleportation as yet. Bummer!

And given the habit of wanting to know things beforehand! Goran does win the Wimbledon! Now you can shed those tears of joy.

Last bit of advice: Just close your eyes, take a deep breath and get on with what you want to do. Public memory is fickle, you’ll realize.

Love,

The older and somewhat wise me J