Dear Me (SomaliNet version)

[InaSamaale]

Jasmine, your letter is so full of life! I wonder what the embarrassing moment was.

Yours and AgentOfChaos' are my favourites so far.

[BlackVelvet]

Actually reading yours made me realise the one thing I was thinking of saying which was listen to hooyo. Life would have been simpler if you realise they're always right without them having to prove it to you

That moment is going with me to the grave. Other than those who were there only 2 other people have ever heard the story. You know a moment is truly embarrassing when X years later you still don't want to talk about it

[1nemansquad]

Dear me at 16 I want you to know that, Life is hard, but God is great.

At this point in time, I certainly would say to you that you’ve had it good and may Allah (swt) prepare you for the things to come because only he can. Allah has graciously given me untold blessings, a wonderful parents and siblings, great ongoing relationships with my extended family and with friends, an awesome community and a place to grown up in so enjoy it. Don't be on this fast track your on to grow up, be young and stop chatting on Som'net and later join the forum. Go outside and be a kid.

I want to tell you bro, 'life will be hard'
Along with all the blessings, you will find that life will have a way of knocking me down and it will. Life in this fallen world is filled with hurts, trials, tribulations, loses, disappointments and confusions. You will perhaps sin against others, other will against you, you will fight, be angry, cry, laugh, smile, and feel tremendous happiness; please take them all with humility and kindness and always be thankful to Allah at all times.

Nope, I thought I could do this but too fresh still to go there......

Salaams from Mombasa

Excellent thread, i just couldn't do it..

[InaSamaale]

That moment is going with me to the grave.

Jasmine, lol I have one of that nature too. Only my bestie knows. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.

1nemansquad, w/salaam lovely letter full of sagacious advice. Thanks for contributing. Hope you're enjoying Mombasa.

[Salwaaa]

Salwaaa, its you! Just a few things I want to let you know. Please leave all your insecurities and problems at the door you are amazing. Go outside and meet new people stop being a bitch and go create memories with people you barely know! Be spontaneous push yourself out of ur comfort zone and enjoy what is coming your way. Stop being in a rush to grow up and move out.. there will come a time where all you will have to eat is noodles from Cedars so please be thankful for hoyoos cooking, and go learn how to cook while ur at it. There will be plenty of girl fights (you cant fight so give in) and backstabbing, but there will also be a time where you will be genuinely happy with the amazing friends you’ve made through the years, and as for your looks oh god please stop it you are beautiful. Be kind to you older sisters all they want is to see you happy.. Also please quit volleyball you suck. Love you.

Ps: I know ur 16 and all but please DO NOT WEAR HIGH HEELS ON GRADUATION!
You’re welcome.

- Sincerely, me.

[CushiticReflections]

Dear 16-year-old self,

I'm writing from the future and I can tell you that life outside of high school is much, much better. So endure the two more years at that school, you'll survive. You're making pretty good choices so far so keep it up. Whatever mistakes you make in high school become necessary lessons so don't beat yourself up over them, learn from them. And they were wrong, you won't end up rebelling and there is no need to. But do believe in your own choices more, don't allow yourself to second-guess yourself because of disapproval from your parents. After graduation, take a year off. Learn to relax, take charge of your own life and find out what you're passionate about (hint: it's not psychology).

While you may seem soft-hearted, you're strong when you need to be. This, along with your patience and sincerity will serve you well. So value those traits and see them as your strengths but don't forget to work on your weaknesses. While things may have come easily to you in the past, you will learn that you need to work hard for everything. So cultivate a good work ethic now rather than later and try to be more consistent.

The biggest struggle you'll have is to let others in. If someone wants some of your time, give it to them. Don't end what could have been a great friendship just because you don't like to get too close. So go to the cinema with that friend who called you all summer, maybe you'll find he's a better friend than you expected. Respond to people more warmly, smile more often, and allow yourself to be light-hearted. Surround yourself with things that lift your spirits. You're not being untrue to yourself if you change in these ways. Life is richer outside of your icy tower, believe me.

In the future, you will see those you love destroy themselves. You'll try to help but they may lash out at you. Don't allow it to pain you, pray for them and focus on yourself. There's only so much you can do for them before it starts to eat away at you. You can't take care of everyone so let them take care of themselves, you'll just burn yourself out so stop adopting the role of mother. It will come as a surprise to you but you'll only have two years left before the one who's always been there for you is no longer a part of your everyday life. So cherish every moment, it will be years before you see each other again. He's going through more than you think so be his light while you can. Listen to him, respond gently, and make sure he laughs or smiles each day. You'll feel better about saying goodbye when the time comes.

Remember God always, He will give you peace during the darkest nights.

Love,

Your future self.

[Lillaahiya]

Dear Lilly,

You ain't shid.

Sincerely,

Lilly 2.0

[CilmiDoone]

Dear CilmiDoone,

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Yours sincerely,

Older, wiser, balder CilmiDoone.