LETTER TO FUTURE-SELF

YOU ARE ONLY TO OPEN THIS LETTER ON YOUR 35TH BIRTHDAY

Feb 8th, 2018.

Dear James,

If you are reading this letter as at when directed to, then you must have grown fully into a man. I hope you made it to the other side on the financial line, it's always been your dream. Hey, did you finally marry her? You know who am talking about, cause she was faithfully down.

You got kids now? How many did God give you so far? Remember we agree to stop at three - maybe one more like dad or one less like Uncle Tom. Whatever the number, its alright as long as they get all the love and attention we planned from the beginning. Am writing you from my desk with a glass of Magic Moment vodka listening to some ranting from Eminem's new album -Revival.

The journey must have been a rough ride, I can only imagine. But I can swear on my beardless face you made a beautiful niche for yourself in the society. How's the family? Did you finally get mum and dad the honeymoon they never had? You know how much I always wanted that for them. What of Unwana, your only brother? And the girls too. I so fucking missed when we were young and all the dreams we had. Oh shit forgive the swearing, I hope you finally cleared cursing and swearing from all your vocabularies. I tried in on time but sometimes I just didn't see any other word to express the feelings at the moment. Oh, I almost forgot why I wrote you this letter. I know you are a man now. So, I wanna remind you of some laws of life we agreed on.

In life you will be surrounded by wolves, don't let them break you. And neither should you let them get you. Never fail to protect the innocent sheep from the devouring fangs of the wolves. Don't turn a sheep for them either.

You got a family now and every extra penny counts in handling your responsibility as a man. Don't let that be an excuse to sell your soul to the devil. Corrupt practices and bribery will be tempting but success as a little thief makes a gangster.

Remember the codes: integrity and honesty over all. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be tough when it's called for, even with love ones. But don't turn a monster, never lose the gentle touch.

Be generous. Never fail to give a meal to one who cannot have one. Do not forget the place of God in your life. But do not allow religion to blind you from being human. Remember, we are human first.

Eminem asked “How can one be a lord and a loser” and he answered ‘when you are a good dad and a bad husband’. That lady you got in your life, treat her like a queen cause you are a king.

Above all live life aright but its foolhardiness not to listen to other's concern. Listening doesn't mean accepting, so listen first, ruminate on them and compare with your own reasoning so you can pick out the truth. Make your rules and follow them and if this words I put are not good enough. Throw them to the garbage bin, you are the man.

With love,
Lordjames jnr

Original @lordjames
All photos are creative Commons from pixabay