How was it like being an adolescent maneuvering through the waves of uncertainty? It wasn't easy for me. I met a friend today whose sister had a serious stroke last year. She has a 17-year old son (let's assume his name is Tom). Tom's father often had to travel in order to sustain their small business and put three meals on the table. Tom is so disillusioned and confused that he asked my friend, "Is there any meaning in life?" He is now spending all his time at online-game centers.
What if Tom writes a letter to his future self, and gets a reply? Don't know what I mean? Let me share with you one of my current favourite songs ...
Lyrics translation (taken from AudioGlory):
Dear you,
Who's reading this letter
Where are you and what are you doing now?
For me who's 15 years old
There are seeds of worries I can't tell anyone
If it's a letter addressed to my future self,
Surely I can confide truely to myself
Now, it seems that I'm about to be defeated and cry
For someone who's seemingly about to disappear
Whose words should I believe in?
This one-and-only heart has been broken so many times
In the midst of this pain, I live the present
Dear you, Thank you
I have something to tell the 15-year-old you
If you continue asking what and where you should be going
You'll be able to see the answer
The rough seas of youth may be tough
But row your boat of dreams on
Towards the shores of tomorrow
Now, please don't be defeated and please don't shed a tear
During these times when you're seemingly about to disappear
Just believe in your own voice
For me as an adult, there are sleepless nights when I'm hurt
But I'm living the bittersweet present
There's meaning to everything in life
So build your dreams without fear
Keep on believing
Seems like I'm about to be defeated and cry
For someone who's seemingly about to disappear
Whose words should I believe in?
Please don't be defeated and please don't shed a tear
During these times when you're seemingly about to disappear
Just believe in your own voice
No matter era we're in
There's no running away from sorrow
So show your smile, and go on living the present
Go on living the present
Dear you,
Who's reading this letter
I wish you happiness
Aki (the singer) has touched the hearts of those kids, no doubt about it. She is inspiring those kids not to give up, but keep on believing ..... It is an emotional and powerful experience, as you can see from the girls' expressions. We may even be reminded of our own challenges during our adolescent years. I certainly had flash backs when I listen to this song.
Do you think Tom can be inspired if he reads an inspirational letter from his future self? What would help him now to keep on believing?
