Ein Brief.

Self,

Before you get mad, I know its been a while. I’m writing to you because you can use the encouragement.
Yes, we have been here before- standing at the bottom of that mountain with all the accoutrement at hand. Yes, the way was lost in the past. Sometimes only half way up- sometimes sooner. It’s painful, I know. It would be great if the movie-inspired montage of working hard and quick results was real. You always have the right intention, but the wrong expectations of the work. It takes time, my friend.

You get up and try again. You always do that.

OK, I’m totally sorry about ditching you back in college. You see, I…. well, there is no excuse, really. It was a dick move on my part. You were flying blind, and I’m trying to make up for it now. Look, you can’t worry about it so much (a difficult task for yourself). Luckily, time is still on your side.
Speaking of being worried, your worries are so baseless sometimes. Actually they are baseless most of the time. You can’t control some things, buddy. Don’t fret over that call you were expecting, your two left feet, your old car, the home improvements you think you should be making, the little parts of you dad you see in yourself, your ignorance of the latest sports score, weather, bills, family, even her.
You have done a lot with yourself. There are people that have done a lot more. You don’t have it as easy as some, but you have it easier than many others. Take the time to reflect, but don’t reflect for too long- You have to get to work. Get past the negative emotions that sometimes take over your actions. To quote Lauryn Hill, “How you gonna win, if you ain’t right within?”
You’re great now, and you’ll be greater later. Find the passion that you always wanted. Get to it.

Love,
Naeem

P.S. When you’re torn between studying or cleaning the entire house, you better crack open that book, bozo.