A Letter to my Younger Self

Dear younger Pete,

As I reflect back on my life, I offer these ten life lessons that will enrich yours, if you choose to embrace them. I promise you, they will bring you immeasurable joy along the way.

1. Winning is not everything, not even close. Reward comes from giving your best, showing respect to your competitors and celebrating the competition.
You are loved for who you are, not for what you have accomplished.
2. Build in time for rest and recovery. Going too hard or too long makes you ineffective and cranky.
3. Don’t strive to have things done solely your way. When you open yourself to others’ perspectives, you grow.
4. Give credit to others. Be considerate of their feelings. Their reward is your reward.
5. Be fully present and listen intently with an open heart, especially those who depend on you. They deserve it.
6. Make time for your parents. They can teach you a lot and will be gone before you know it.
7. Be generous in all things. Share your time, talents and treasure. There is joy in giving.
8. When you feel down, help someone in need. Both of you will feel better.
9. Focus on what matters. By the way, people are “what matters”.
10. Be thankful every day. Inventory your blessings. (Bonus)

With these in mind, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity, even if, at the moment, you don’t feel like it or think it will be worth your time. Give your best in every activity. Focus on the experience, not the outcome. With God by your side, you will live a full and complete life.

Love, older (and wiser) Pete