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SELF TALK

An open letter to self

on nearing 50th birthday!

Dear self, it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school
I am writing this open letter to you with some advice that I fees.
for you as I head towards 50th momentous birthday. The US 4) I pay the taxi driver without waiting for the change. The
President, John F. Kennedy once penned that “Change is the extra money might bring a smile on his face. After all he is
law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are toiling much harder for a living than me
certain to miss the future”. Well to me it’s a great time to be alive. 5) I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that
It’s a time to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Looking story many times. After all, the story makes them walk down
back, I’ve done a good deal of those things and I’m grateful. the memory lane & relive the past.
Today, you have entered the age of beautiful group of people 6) I have learnt not to correct people even when I know they are
between middle age and elderly. Congratulations! I am certain wrong. After all, the onus of making everyone perfect is not
you have grown enough to understand that life is precious and on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
it must be lived with care. I am certain that you had some dif- 7) I give compliments freely & generously. After all it’s a mood
ficult moments in life but still have accomplished way more than enhancer not only for the recipient, but also
you imagined and tried to make a difference in the world. You for me
have found some happiness and brought smile on some faces 8) I have learnt not to bother about a crease or a spot on my
with you tough demeanor and kind heart. You have learned to shirt. After all, personality speaks louder than appearances.
show yourself grace and welcomed the light that comes from 9) I walk away from people who don’t value me. After all,
God above whenever you have they might not know my worth,
felt friendless. but I do.
As you cross 45 and head 10) I remain cool when some-
towards the momentous 50th one plays dirty politics to
birthday, many expect to have outrun me in the rat race.
fallen in love, got married, After all, I am not a rat &
bought a house, settled down neither am I in any race.
and had children by the time 11) I am learning not to be
they turn for the half century. embarrassed by my
For many, 45-50 is a mile- emotions. After all, it’s
stone age when you may start my emotions that make
to look back and take stock of me human.
everything you have done or 12) I have learnt that its better
achieved so far materially and to drop the ego than to break
spiritually. a relationship. After all,
Let me tell you what sort my ego will keep me aloof
of changes I am feeling within whereas with relationships I
me? Let me share with you… will never be alone*.
13) I have learnt to live each
1) After loving my parents, day as if it’s the last. After
my siblings, my spouse, my all, it might be the last.
children, my friends, now 14) I am doing what makes me
i have started loving myself. happy. After all, I am re-
2) I just realised that I am not sponsible for my happiness,
“Atlas”. The world does not and I owe it to me.
rest on my shoulders. I decided to send this letter to
3) I now stopped bargain- myself because why do I have
ing with vegetables & fruits to wait for so long to express
vendors. After all, a few myself to my own self?
Rupees more is not going to
burn a hole in my pocket but LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

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