Last week in writing class, my teacher gave us an assignment to write a letter to ourselves 10 years from now. This is the type of assignment you never do on your own but rather when you attend leadership camp in middle school. However I loved doing it at this point in my life and found it really helpful, inspiring and also encourage you to find those 30 minutes and write yourself a letter. It doesn't have to be to yourself but could be to a child or grandchild. The last time I did this was in my choir class freshman year of high school. It only took a few minutes to write but something I remember vividly doing. It was a great exercise for me to reflect on everything I've learned in the last 2 years and acknowledge how much I would like to continue these lessons for the next 10, 20 years. At times, I wonder how I will change as a person when I move home. I worry that I will lose my desire to be spontaneous and end up getting stuck in a rut. Hopefully this letter will help prevent that from happening.
The letter is rather simple, (haven't quite mastered my Chinese style of writing yet =P, probably never will) but something that made me feel rather proud and happy about. When I first received the assignment, I googled "letter to future self" and came across some good advice that I also incorporated in my letter. The letter to self roughly translates
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Jacqueline,
How are you? Life? I'm currently studying Chinese in Dalian. Right now is a wonderful and rich time in your life. You can travel whenever you like, you can hang out with friends at any time. I hope your life now is also satisfying and are able to do the things you love every day.
If I can give you some advice, I just want to say a few words. In modern society, life can impose a lot of stress on you whether it's how much your salary is, what kind of job you have, etc. But the most important thing is to have self-confidence and self-respect. Don't compare yourself to others. Otherwise you're going to feel self-dejected. In life, you will certainly stumble upon some hard times. First though, know that every person will have rough episodes. Most important is that you persevere. Don't give up too easily. Life can be beautiful, at times, it can also be bitter. When troubles comes along, first ask yourself, will this matter to me tomorrow? Next month? Next year? Don't be too worried, it has no positive benefits whatsoever. Relax. Laugh everyday. Don't be too strict with yourself.
Right now you are still young; you have a lot of time. Write down all of your dreams and look at this paper everyday. If you have professional dreams, with hard work you can make them come true and achieve success. In regards to your monthly salary, save half of it, your future self will be very happy with you =P.
Friends and family are life's most precious "things." Although work and life may be busy, make the time to be with your parents, friends, and husband. Treasure every minute you have with them. I believe if you do this, you will not have any regrets.
Jacqueline
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After a few revisions from my teacher, this is how the final product came out.
宝玉，
你好。现在的生活怎么样？ 我在大连学习汉语。 现在过着丰富多彩的生活， 可以随便旅游， 随便跟朋友玩儿。我希望你对生活很满意， 能每天做喜欢做的事。
如果我可以给你建议， 我要说几句话。 在现代的社会中， 你可能感到有很大的压力：有多少的收入， 什么样的工作等等。 但最重要的是你一定要有自信和自尊。 不要跟其他人比。 要不然就会感到很自卑。在你的生活中， 你肯定会碰到困难和挫折。 首先， 每个人都会遇到不好的事情。 需要注意的是你的坚持。 别轻易地放弃。 生活是快乐的， 在有些时候，却也是很痛苦的。 发生困难的时候， 问问自己， 明天这个事还会跟我有关系吗？ 下个月呢？ 明年呢？ 别太担心， 否则对你的身体没有好处。放松一下。 每天笑， 别对自己太严格。
现在还很年轻， 还有时间。 写出来你的梦想， 每天看看这张纸。 如果你有工作的梦想， 就很努力地工作， 你肯定会实现的， 得到成功。 至于你的月薪， 那么将来的你肯定会很满意 =P。
朋友和家庭是生活最珍贵的东西。 虽然你工作很忙， 但是应该抽空跟父母， 朋友，丈夫一起玩儿。 珍惜跟他们在一起的每分钟。我觉得如果你这样做， 就不会有后悔和遗憾。
宝玉
2011年4月14号
Feeling inspired :),
Jac
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