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translucentdawn submitted a contest entry to
What would the old version of you say to the new version of you? 2 months ago
Circa Early 2000s
(Style Score 100%)
Dear Twenty Year Old,
You worry too much. Your worry comes from needing to control. The need to control comes from fear of not being enough. But you don’t know to break all that down yet. All you know is the uneasiness. That unsettled state. That uncomfortable churning of the insides called worry.And because you invest so much of yourself in it, your worry will materialize.
Take for instance the worry that is consuming you right now. The worry about getting laid off from the job that you obsessed over and handpicked, after evaluating, analyzing, comparing, consulting.That coveted, perfectly crafted job. You *are* going to lose that job. You are most definitely going to get laid off. Ironically, the actual moments leading up to and the moment you are walked out will pale compared to how it all seemed in your worriful imagination. The weeks that follow the lay off will be full of surprises, full of open doors and unexpected openings.
But with that experience, that grip fear has had on you loosens. That bind control puts you in, and your need to control softens. Worry comes undone.
Right now, if I could reach out and see you, I’d hold your face in my palms. I’d look into your eyes and say, enjoy this. Savor this experience of getting laid off. Enjoy the pay package you’ll receive. Take that and travel. It is like a month of paid vacation.
Toss worry into the wind and live with the freedom of knowing: all is always working out for you.
Love always,
-You, the fearless version.Voting starts July 2, 2025 12:00am
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Anusha, your positive outlook is such an inspiration to me! I think that most people have a deeply rooted fear of losing their jobs or being laid off, but the experience can often be a chance to start over and flourish somewhere else. I love how you call your time unemployed a month of paid vacation. If I ever find myself in a similar situation, I hope that I can make my way through it with the same grace as you! Thank you for sharing your story.
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