A Letter to my younger self on my 47th Birthday!

Today as I complete 47 years, I am in complete gratitude for all that I am and for all that I am becoming. When I look back, I humbly see how far I have come. So decided to write a letter to my 13-year old self.?

Dear Gautam,?

As I sat down to write the letter to you while looking at a photo from the late 1980s, all I could do was smile. I smiled at that young boy and I thought, “You have no idea what you are getting into.”

I would like to?share a few life lessons I have picked up along the way. Some you already know and some you will experience. Either ways, it’s good to give you a heads up. :)

1. Tough times never last but tough people do.

I know whenever you feel things are not working out presently in your life, grades are not upto the mark, you are not sure of who your friends really are and even if you have someone you can call a friend, you are experiencing changes in life which seem like a big deal. But in all this, remember the 4 magic words that dad always tells you – “This too shall pass.”

2. Change is constant.?

You will always face a lot of situations which will push you out of your comfort zone. In fact, to give you a glimpse of the future, you will land up living in three different continents over the coming years and still be able to thrive in each of the places. Learn to embrace change.

3. Surround yourself with the ones that make living worth it

I know you are presently going through tough times when it comes to friendships. But be assured that you are going to make amazing friends in the next 3 years who will be your friends for life. You will land up being the one who will initiate plans and land up spending every weekend together. Even when all of you get busy with life, you will stay connected with technology and regularly plan your reunions.

4. Dad is your real life hero

So dad has always held a special place in your heart. From going for various cricket matches at the Lords to watching movies to sharing secrets, he has been your best friend and a rock in your life. Who knew that you would end up working and building a business together.

?Tip: Remember that your father always has 20 years of more experience than you at any given point of time, so learn from him and make the most of the time you have with him.

5. Spend time in Nature?

Nature is one thing which has acted a place for you to reflect and heal. So consciously spend time in nature and make it a part of your routine.

6. Don’t take life too seriously. Smile more along the way.

On this side of life decades later I say to you that you did your best with what you had. Your heart was pure, and your motives were clean. You tried and failed. You tried and made it. Either ways, you never gave up and I’m proud of you.?

Happy Birthday and cheers to many more!??

Yours Sincerely,?

Gautam Ganglani