Dear Younger Self,

You really have a lot to offer the world. You look in the mirror and you see a kid who doesn’t play sports, who is a little chubby, and is unpopular. You see the kid that gets picked on and bullied. You see all of the negatives, so let me give you some advice.

You don’t play sports, but you can. There is a stark difference there. You have athletic ability. It is in your blood. On both sides of your family, biological and adopted, are so many athletes You play in the neighborhood and are good! Not professional sports good, but good enough. If you want to try it, don’t depend on your parents to push you. Just go for it. The reason they don’t push you into sports is because they see something better for you.

You have talents that others many not see now. You probably don’t even know it yet, but you are great with words! You are going to be a writer someday. Your poems are going to bring smiles to people’s faces, and joy to their hearts. You are going to do something called “blogging” one day, and you will realize a freedom you have ever known. You may not think you have anything to say, but there is a wealth of information deep down inside of you. You’ll realize that when someone talks, you can listen to understand where they are coming from, and you will be able to respond. Yes, conversation will never completely come easily for you, but when you do talk, people will take it to heart.

Don’t question the process. I know you don’t really know God yet. You know of Him, and you sing about Him in church. He has such magnificent plans for your life. I’m living them right now. He loves you so much. Trust His process.

Try out for shows called American Idol and The Voice when you get older. Do those talent shows. Your voice is pretty good, man. Seriously! And your love of all kind of music will shape you.

Finally, you’re going to hold a different worldview than many, even those of your own race. Don’t engage in chitter chatter. Form your views, and live your life based on your own convictions. Not politics. Not slander or libel. Not propaganda.

Your life is going to be pretty cool. And when you meet that girl one day in college, you’ll know she is the one. it will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life. I promise you. She is going to make you a better person and push you toward the Justin that God knows you are.

People are counting on you. I’m counting on you. Go be great.

Sincerely,

Your Older, Slightly Wiser Self