It’s no biggie, but defo worth addressing—serious mode.
Here’s the question, again—we spoke about it yesterday.
“If you could travel back in time and meet your 14-year-old self, what would you tell him, or her?”
Unhesitatingly, I replied, with a male hat on, “I’d tell him to do nothing different. Be who you were, who you are."
Immediacy is the killer again. Maybe I am a narcissistic wanker.
Instead, 24 hours later, I would offer these:
“Be more considerate toward your siblings. They’re both different to you. Respect their way. Just be nice—be a decent elder brother.”
“Pay more attention in Mr Wheatley’s English class. You might write better when you eventually grow up.”
"Try harder when your father asks you to eat garden peas swimming in gravy—fork down. Or at least, when you shovel, wait till he's not looking."
“Respect your Mother’s feelings when she whispers that she has a thing for Luther Vandross.”
“If Gemma Wilson asks you to dance, please don’t be scared.”
OK, seriously.
“Be curious, keep asking why, form your own opinions.”
“Try not to suffer fools’ advice.”
“If cricket has to be your thing, balance it out with something that can sustain you when you’re done playing.”
“Drink less than you’re going to.”
“Again, if it’s cricket, be the best you can, and don’t try to be anyone else.”
“Read books to your children. Don’t let them watch Toy Story over and over.”
“Live an equitable life in partnership.”
“Always go to bed the day you wake up.”
It is such a cool question. Let yourself go. Just don't live there.
Thanks to Shunter and 8Ball. Good blokes—as they say—and it was a great conversation.
Nick
Bonus music from George Benson: 20 20 vision
What was your 14-year-old self's favourite memory of Mr Wheatley's class?
And what was their worst?