Letter to my younger self

Hello! Hello! It's been really long, and a lot has happened in these in-between times. I will not spend my words discussing all the events in this post, but I will surely share a few lessons learned along the way. I wanted to do it in a format that I have missed over the years, writing letters. I watched a theater play about letters shared between two friends over the years, then I read a book about letters exchanged between a female American author and a male who worked at a bookstore in London. This was followed by 'letters' as a theme that was chosen for our monthly reading club. And the letter that I wrote as my read is published in this post.

When I stumbled upon life lessons as an adult, I thought, what if I had known these lessons at a younger age? That idea sprouted and transformed into the letter to my younger self below. It was not easy to write in all those lessons with 'no spoilers' of the events that may follow. I didn't really want it to sound like a warning or to prepare myself to face the events. The process was mindful, fun, and deeply satisfying. When I read it in our reading club, my friends told me to post it on the blog, as most would relate to at least one thing in the letter. So here goes,

"Dear younger me,

Hi! I’m your future self, writing to you with immense gratitude—not to steer you off your path or fix something that went wrong, but simply to offer a few insights. My sole intention is to help you step into your future with better awareness.

First and foremost, congratulations on your fantastic 12th-grade results and on your admission to architecture school! I know you’re a bit disappointed that you didn’t get into medicine, but trust me—this truly is for the best, both for you and others. Specifically, the good of the patients who are now spared your shaky hand and slightly squeamish stomach. The world doesn’t need a doctor who faints at the sight of blood. You might feel like you’ve let others down, but that’s just your imagination. No one will say they’re proud of you today, but believe me, they are. I know this because they’ve told me so in your near future.

You should be proud of Maa and Pappa, too. It wasn’t easy for them to host your best friend for the last five months of 12th grade and care for her like their own daughter. But those small acts of kindness will deeply shape your empathy and compassion—qualities you’ll need more than anything in the years to come. From now on, know in your heart that your loved ones are proud of you and of who you are becoming.

Now, I’d like you to reflect on some things. If you take this advice to heart, it may bring you more peace and fulfillment in the years ahead. I had to learn some of these lessons the hard way—through bittersweet experiences. Sharing them with you now feels like a rare second chance.

Let’s begin…

You live in the beautiful cocoon that is Goa. Everything feels just right. But with globalization, migration, political greed, and public apathy, things will change. Start adopting mindful habits now: carry your own metal water bottle, use a tote bag when shopping, avoid plastic—especially for food—and embrace the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Explore minimalist living. These small efforts, started early, will become second nature and ripple outward. Consider it a quiet gift to the generations that follow.

Just imagine for a moment a world where even healthy organic food lacks essential nutrients because the soil has been depleted. It may seem unimaginable now, but one day we’ll suffer the consequences of extracting too much from the earth. Diseases you’ve never heard of will emerge, only because we didn’t care enough. Pay close attention to what you eat and drink. Your gut is the gateway to your health. Take it a step further: learn to grow your food, especially vegetables and fruits, and explore ways to nourish the soil. You have a lovely garden at home—start experimenting there. Inspire others to do the same.

I needed to talk about these serious issues—climate change and health crises—because they will impact your life, especially if people continue to ignore them. But now, let’s talk about more personal things.

Your health—both physical and mental—is the foundation of your future. There’s nothing more valuable than a sound mind in a healthy body. You’re fully capable of achieving all your dreams, but staying fit is bound to take you further. I see that you enjoy yoga, which is great, but also invest in cardio, strength training, and meditation. Also, never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep or the benefits of sunlight. All these together will keep you whole and thriving as you age.. Right now, you may not want to "waste" time on things that feel hard and not so urgent, but remember—roads that lead to heaven often feel like hell at first. Trust me on this one—study after study has proven it.

You’re already a passionate reader, and I’m thrilled about that. Continue to enjoy the books you love, but for every four, try reading one that introduces you to philosophy/ spirituality. You don’t need to go west to find wisdom—our ancient texts hold deep truths. If that feels too heavy, start with the teachings of great saints and spiritual teachers. They’re incredibly enriching and not as expensive as life coaches that charge $300/hr in my world. Also, learn history from authentic sources. It’s essential to understand the past to form meaningful opinions in the future.

I want to talk about Maa and Pappa—they're young and active now, but that won’t always be the case. We see older people around us every day, yet somehow believe our parents won’t age. But they will. They’ll become weaker, more vulnerable, and will need help with daily tasks. You can’t control time, but you can contribute to their well-being. I can’t stress the importance of annual check-ups enough. It’s wiser to listen when the body whispers than to wait until it screams.  Encourage them to exercise regularly—yoga, walks, whatever suits them. Promote meditation, mental stimulation, and independence. Urge them to travel—see India, or the world if possible. Most importantly, spend quality time with them while you can. Appreciate the little things they do for you, and don’t hold back from expressing your gratitude. If you move away from Goa, visit more often than you think is necessary. It will mean the world to them—and to the future you.

And don’t forget your grandparents. A gentle hug, holding their hand, a back rub—can bring them immense comfort. Just listen to their stories. Even when they’re irritating or angry, even when their beliefs clash with yours, remember—it doesn’t matter in the bigger picture. They’ve endured and sacrificed so much to give your parents a better life. Show them your gratitude and love.

One more thing: death doesn’t discriminate by age. The most precious gift you can give your loved ones is your full presence. Treat every meeting as if it might be the last—because, sometimes, it will be. I know this may sound morbid now, but awareness of mortality will enrich your relationships more than you can imagine. It will deepen your joy, too. One day, you’ll do something for the very last time, without knowing it. So don’t take anything or anyone for granted.

Now, let's move to something you will be praised for. Multitasking and perfection, these two sparkling stars are wildly overrated—and honestly, kind of harmful. I’m not exaggerating. Multitasking is like brushing your teeth while eating a samosa. You can try, but it will end in a mess and also leave you unsatisfied. The human brain thinks it can juggle, but it’s really just flipping rapidly between tasks like a monkey on espresso—and usually dropping bananas along the way. You are not a smartphone with multiple open tabs, and even smartphones overheat. 

And perfection? Ah, the glittery unicorn of adulthood—sparkly in theory, exhausting in practice. It’s why you’ll waste hours cleaning your desk and organising your room on the eve of your final exams. Or why you’ll rewrite a text 14 times and still wish you’d sent the first version. Perfection keeps moving the finish line just when you think you’re done. Spoiler: the chase is exhausting. What is a smartphone, what text, you may wonder? Well, as I said, that world will change, and it will change pretty fast. So, Breathe. Laugh at your mistakes. Learn, adjust, adapt, and move forward—with grace.

So take it from your older, wiser, occasionally scatterbrained self: aim for progress, not perfection. Do one thing at a time, with full attention. It’s more effective, and you’re less likely to forget why you picked up that smartphone 20 minutes ago, 

Now, let’s talk about something you never speak of—your looks and personality. Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not beautiful. I don’t say this just because “looks don’t matter”—though they don’t—but because I now know how relative beauty really is. “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” isn’t just a saying—it’s true. Ideas of beauty shift with culture, context, perception, and self-belief. The sooner you release the quiet acceptance of “I’m not beautiful, and that’s okay,” the more beautiful and confident you’ll become. That said, do care for yourself. Don’t ignore Self-care because it is important—start with something as simple as sunscreen. You’ll learn more as your mindset evolves.

I know you’ll dedicate yourself fully to your studies—you may even excel at the top. But don’t lose sight of what you love. Travel. Hike in nature. Write letters to loved ones, continue your daily diary, and write anything your imagination can create. Write even when new technologies make it feel outdated. Maybe you’ll publish your musings one day. Make art—not just in your spare time, but as nourishment for your soul. Cook, do pottery, craft, embroider, work, and create things with your hands. This is how you’ll stay grounded in a fast-paced world. 

Now, for something crucial that you’re most likely to overlook: money and finances. I know…I know! You dislike the topic, but please—learn everything you can about it, and you may get comfortable with it. Learn about earning, saving, investing, taxes, assets, and building wealth. If you only pick one skill to master in the coming years, let it be this. Always know your worth. Don’t undersell yourself—emotionally or financially. First, you’ll work hard & earn to live, then you’ll earn to give. Eventually, make your money work for you. And you’ll be free to follow your heart and work for whatever social cause you choose. 

Ah! Let's get to the matters of the heart. You will have your crushes, and may also face heartbreaks, and go through it all over again. Eventually, you’ll see that every ending was preparing you for something better. You will fall in love, and that will change your world. Remember that your gut has never lied to you. Trust your intuition and know that love is not a matter of the mind. All logic fails when it comes to matters of the heart. There will be ups and downs, all meant to teach you and help you grow. Mistakes will happen—sometimes the same ones on repeat. It will sting. But the quicker you learn and adapt, the faster you’ll move forward. You will grow through what you go through. Don’t let challenges shake your positive attitude. The more you anchor yourself in equanimity (look it up!), the smoother your journey will become.

Finally—and perhaps most surprisingly for you—there is no single “purpose” to life. You read that right: there’s no grand purpose. Life itself is the purpose. Enjoy the journey, meet people with love, empathy, compassion, and radical kindness. The goals you chase will often feel underwhelming and temporary once you achieve them. When that happens, Be Still. Observe within & the world around you. Listen actively. Learn from nature. One day, you’ll understand why you are the way you are—and that being you is more than enough.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Your presence matters more than your productivity. Your values are more important than your achievements. And your kindness will echo far beyond your lifetime.

I love you more than you can comprehend right now. Learn to love yourself, too. 

You have a long and beautiful journey ahead. Strap in. Savor the ride.

I’ll be here—smiling, grateful, and so very proud.

With all my love and blessings,

Your older self "