Dear fear,

  Do you know anyone who blasts classical music and loves listening to it? Despite daily bullying and microaggressions, who remains committed to their cultural values and traditions? Who is indifferent to their clothing choices, aside from specific situations, and has no interest in alcohol or drugs? Me! I do not care for all these things. I believe in myself. I have unwavering faith in my potential for greater achievements. I am the biggest culprit with holding myself down. As Marianne Williamson says, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  Williamson, from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. 

I choose not to follow any particular faith, but that quote resonates with me. You do not have any power over me when I have an army that includes God, ancestors, angels, and divine beings, all of whom resonate love. I believe love conquers any fear, yet we still need some fear getting through this thing called life. We reduce ourselves, and our peers contribute to this, making us feel inadequate. My most fulfilling life experiences have come from conquering my greatest fears. For instance, moving to Texas from California, on my own and being able to transfer my job. I had the help of my amazing cousin, who has been a steadfast helper and who has been more of a brother than a cousin. We have to learn to lean on others and trust the process. While it always requires hard work, manifestation’s power is so profound it alters realities. I also took a chance on dating and found someone wonderful who is showing me I deserve a man who is chivalrous, gentle, kind, sensitive, and loving! Who would have thought Facebook was good for dating?  

People do not realize what you ask the universe to give to you,the universe will deliver! It is a simple idea, but it is a fact. Watch/read The Secret, and you will see what I mean. I am not very good at describing other people’s ideas, but I can tell you mine. Why would you want to waste your time hating people, things that are bad/evil? Why don’t you choose love instead? Love your friends, family (I know it’s hard), and everyone else. We do not practice true love in this world anymore! What is true love? The ability to wish someone well even if they did something bad. Have a little more empathy and try to do good! Counter fear with good, not tit-for-tat! I can only hope more people realize this. 

Love

Asma

Dearest,
Your heart is so big and generous. You are a pioneer for questioning the cult’s beliefs. This leads us into a dark and hideous place. I urge you not to urge you go into the shadows, I can heal you; I believe in you. You will learn to create healthy boundaries so you won’t be passive-aggressive. You are brave for wearing that hideous chaddar, which you are free of now, and get to be yourself. Also, you no longer get sister zoned. You probably know more French than I do. Linkin Park is our gateway for our love of rock and metal music, you have great taste in movies and TV shows, and they will help you integrate into California. No one said it was easy but here we are blaming our failure on the other, Here we are ready to depart for California. Every step you take leads to being free and a better version; keep pushing. Grades aren’t everything, what is now an F in Mathematics will be an A. Treasure our friends some of whom we still keep in touch with and still consider our best friend. Keep going to the library it is our sanctuary and will keep your mind sharp. Even though we are bullied, I love that you still stand up for your friends. I admire that you kept learning after high school. All these pieces created a better version of ourselves; and for that, I thank you and I love you.
 
With lots of love, 
Your future self.