Writing Prompt: If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
Dear 12 year old me,
It’s the summer before your 13th bday. You have a friend staying the night from school. Mom
and Dad leaves you guys there to go hang out with friends. Pops has his liquor stash in the cabinet in the kitchen. Before you open it to take 12 shots of E&J Brandy, know this won’t be the last time you get drunk. You will experience being drunk a few more times over the next 25 years. Even though you throw up and feel like shit it won’t be your last time. But that’s what happens when you are left alone a lot to fend for yourself.
You are highly intelligent despite what any teacher will tell you in Jr high, high school and even college. Yes, that’s right college. You will be the first one in the family to get a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree. You are a great athlete but know the family will be too busy to see you play. Will it hurt, HELL YEAH! You get your heart broken a few times by girls and women. But don’t give up cause she is out there.
You will experience some shit others may only hear or read about. But that’s what makes you unique. You think you faced racism? You are barely scratching the surface. Can you believe you join the Army. Just like your Brother Anthony who is on deployment right now. And you end of getting stationed in El Paso, TX just like him. You get the chance to live any many cities. You experience pregnancies at 14, 17, 26 & 27. But no kids just yet and I’m 43 today. That time will
come. Your dream of working in radio comes true. But depression sinks in once your not able to
advance in the field. You pickup heavy drinking at 25 and over the next 12 years it’s hell for
you. But you are strong enough that you make it out of it to become an author, podcaster, mentor
and public speaker. You go to rehab 4 times but you finally got it right.
I can say so much more about how life will be, but I want you to live it up to the fullest. Don’t change a thing cause when you reach my age you will say it was well worth it and probably do it the same exact way God has in store for you. Keep that million dollar smile cause many people will continue to gravitate to you. You don’t hear this enough but I love you and will be there with you every step of the way.
Follow Kenneth on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at @12facesofsober
To submit your own letter to your younger self, email your letter and photo(s) to jessica@bottomlesstosober.com.
