Letter to my Younger Self

Dear younger DJ,

you don't feel like you fit in at all.

You feel too big and too small all at once.

Those that criticize you are broken beyond repair.

You feel so deeply that you're an empathizer, like your mother and your brother.

Never feel ashamed of your interests, of your likes or what you read or write.

Your writing will open proverbial doors for you, you never thought were possible.

Don't wait till you're in your thirties to embrace who you are.

You're a horror writer.

You're strong but not a great athlete. That's OK.

You are loved and good enough to be loved.

You are enough.

You laugh on your terms, not just because you think it will get people to like you.

Don't hide your emotions, it doesn't make you cool.

Humans feel emotions.

It's what makes us humans.

You were made to be unique.

All creatives must be individuals, or their art will be imitations of what has come before.

I must be going now, back to my present and to your future.

Enjoy the wonders that lie ahead. Your future looks bright.

Sincerely,

A friend.