Writing Prompt: If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
Dear Matt @10 years old,
I want to tell you about what life is like now, but actually to let you know it’s ok to just be you.
Be open with yourself about how you are feeling. It’s ok to admit things are not right for you in your life. When you get to the age I am now, you will have some regrets about not being able to speak to people. You will also not have as many people who want to speak to you, but one day you will find those trusted souls who are there for you and you will talk. If you do get just the smallest windows of opportunity to tell people how you are doing, take that chance.
You will find an amazing teacher in your life who will be your inspiration and someone you think back to often when you finally end up being a teacher. You are super funny and kind, but also can be quite stern and expect a lot of the children you teach. You keep them safe and nurture them, but you are fair and disciplined when you have to be.
Know that it was ok to lie to people about not having a dad. That it was ok to make stuff up, because that was your way of dealing with the difficult life you came to have, because of your dad dying. Be kind and forgiving of yourself. You knew your dad, you absolutely did. Understand that he was there for you more than you realised. He shaped you for 2 and a half years.
Know that it’s ok to not have to be like everyone else, that you are ok just the way you are. That it’s ok to not to have to be “one of the lads.” That you don’t have to force yourself to like alcohol and to have to go out.
Right now, you are very much in me. You are a 46 year old man at heart, but you have a zest for life and for fun, which shines out of you. You are a child still who does what people would say are crazy. For instance right now you are dying your hair blonde and you’ve got your ears pierced! Imagine what your grandad would say about that! So funny! You like surfing and músic and play bass guitar and ukulele. You are determined and desire for everyone to be happy.
Tell your family you love them. Please ask about your dad and don’t feel you are upsetting people talking about it. They will want to talk to you. You may think you didn’t know your dad, but you are him and he is in you.
Enjoy your life. It’s going to be great.
Follow Matt on Instagram at @soberyogadad
To submit your own letter to your younger self, email your letter and photo(s) to jessica@bottomlesstosober.com.