If I could have a conversation with my 15-year-old self, what would I say?
I want to let my younger self know that almost everything of importance he thinks about life is wrong. The life of a drug dealer is not something to idolize. There’s nothing cool about getting locked up. Adults who give him advice sometimes do know what they are talking about. Many of the decisions he makes now will affect him for the rest of his life. Your brain is not fully developed, I want to explain. You’re making decisions from a disadvantageous position. Life is not a game but if you insist on viewing it as one think of the game you love, chess. You don’t make moves without analyzing first. You don’t make moves based on emotion. When you do, you’re in a losing position.
On the surface, the rest of the world continues to go on more or less the same as it has been. Except for a handful of innovations in technology, it will be business as usual. There’s still fear of nuclear war and the political climate is dominated by a two-party system. The rich get richer, and the poor become poorer. A Clinton runs for President and Ghostbusters will certainly be remade. What my younger self should focus on is himself. I put the most emphasis on the importance of education. A solid education is an asset used throughout your lifetime. Something that can be monetized and open many doors. If you want power, this is the way to achieve it. Without it, the best to be hoped for is a life working for someone else doing work you do not enjoy. Unless you come into a windfall and being from the lower east side, that is unlikely to happen. Otherwise. he will turn to crime and addiction, a quick path to self-destruction.
The real criminals are the political power structure. Many of them millionaires and billionaires who very rarely ever do time in prison. Crime is a game the Powercat’s have rigged in their favor. It makes more sense to continue to learn how to use modern tech. The future is that society gets addicted to something called Smart phones. This is a cellular phone that connects to the Internet. I suggest he always remember the saying; proper preparation prevents poor performance. He’d be wise to be conservative with his spending. Financial recessions continue to happen from time to time and he should not depend upon anyone else to prop him up, avoiding debt whenever he can.
He needs to continue to hone his talents in writing and music. In the next five years, social media is available to the public. Many musicians get discovered this way. His dreams can be realized or snatched away. Depending upon what he does next. Play the game with intelligence. Prison, debt, and addiction are all forms of slavery. Such incarceration strips you of your humanity. Furthermore, your loved ones are not to be taken for granted. The world is overcrowded and full of people who do not have your best interests at heart. Cherish your family and friends and foster a network of those who will build each other up. You have heart, Travis. Don’t be another ugly stain on the canvas of history.
I save this next gem for last although it is one of the most important: to not become too fanatical about any religion or ideology; they are al created by men, many times with ulterior motives; almost all of them before modern science helped us explain the natural world. Whatever you do, I would tell him- know yourself and love yourself. If you forget what I have told you at least remember this.
No Comments