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  • daylind8 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a letter to your younger selfWrite a letter to your younger self 2 years, 3 months ago

    CONTEST ENTRY: To all the shy kids

    To All The Shy Kids,  

    As I sit and reflect on my youth, I can’t help but smile. There are so many things I wish I could tell my younger self, so many tough situations I wish I could have avoided. And yet, the paths I chose, and the paths that were chosen for me, are what led me to become the woman I am today. Everyone learns their lessons one way or another, so it’s difficult to regret the experiences that ultimately teach you those lessons. Regardless, looking back on my life thus far, the lesson I would most like to tell my younger self, and to youth in general, is to make every moment count.

    You’ve undoubtedly heard this one before, but it’s a lesson that I cannot stress enough. It’s one lesson that should be learned as early as possible so that one can avoid future regret and make as many moments count as possible. After all, we only get so many.

    Daylin and her sister

    When I was 9, I lost my dad to a heart attack. When I was 21, I lost my mom to unexplained health issues. When I was 27, I lost my sister to addiction. With grandparents, friends, and others lost between these life-altering deaths, I was shown from an early age that life could be unexpectedly over in the blink of an eye. Life is a precious, fragile gift that will pass you by if you let it. This is why my wish for every young person is to make each moment count.  

    As a shy young girl, I avoided anything that brought attention to me. Did I want to try out for the school play? Of course. But I wouldn’t dare. Did I want to ride the horse or go on the zipline or try new activities at camp? You bet I did. But you can also bet I sat on the sidelines, smiling on the outside and crying on the inside because I was jealous of those who were making their moments count.

    I didn’t pursue things that I thought would be fun or exciting. I would do anything to blend in or, better yet, be completely invisible. This led me to a habitual thought process in which I avoided anything spontaneous, adventurous, or outgoing. I carried this habit with me throughout my youth, and it’s one I am constantly trying to break to this day.

    As an ambitious high school student, spending time with friends and getting straight A’s were top priorities, while family time and community service were chores to be avoided at all costs.  

    As a college student, getting in and out of classes as quickly as possible was a must, while meeting new people and engaging in the college life was at the bottom of my list.

    As a young career woman, success and buying a house were necessities, while traveling and quality time with loved ones could be put on the back burner.

    The things I regret the most are the ones I didn’t do, never the ones I did do. I didn’t audition for that play, I didn’t kiss my mom goodbye the last time I saw her, I didn’t take advantage of my college experience, I didn’t make my moments count to the best of my ability.

    So…to all the shy kids:

    When you figure out something you like, pursue it.

    When you attend that wedding or event, never skip a dance.

    When you need the help, find a therapist or doctor that works for you.

    When you look in the mirror, pick out something you love and make a mental note.

     

    When you leave a friend’s house or hang up the phone, don’t hold back on the bear hugs and I love yous.

    Try out for the play. Ride the horse. Go on the zipline. However you can, whenever you can, make your moments count. You are only allotted so many, and I promise it’ll be worth the risk.   

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