Dear Younger Me,

For your resilience, kindness, love, patience, and prayer, I thank you.  

You didn’t always have it easy growing up, but you always shared a smile, regardless of your circumstances. I have taken that trait forward with me into my life now. Your love of history, sports, and the arts has grown into a passion I am slowly learning how to share with others. You always had big dreams and aspirations, but you never really found the self-confidence to fully pursue them. Things are much better on that front now. Still, sometimes I am reminded of how lost you felt, how belittled and anxious. Just like you, I turn to prayer for comfort. It’s a habit you started that has served me well. I am also grateful that when you were not successful in your endeavors, you still kept your enthusiasm. Yet, as grateful as I am for your perseverance, I am the most grateful that you enjoyed the company of our elders and eagerly opened your ear to their wisdom.  So now, although many of these friends are no longer with me, I can still reap the benefits of the advice they gave to you. 

I often reflect on the moments you shared with our great-grandmother. Just now, I could not help but think “Thank God For Her!”  A humble soul filled with love and wisdom, she always pushed you to want better for yourself. She taught you how to pray and laid the foundation for your spiritual journey. In more ways than one, she gave you ample tools to improve your self-confidence, and you heeded her guidance. She never did come to any of your plays or football matches, but you were always more than willing to tell her all about it when you got home. She truly was your best friend and biggest fan. Treasure every single hour, minute, and second you have with her.

I know you desperately craved fitting in better with your colleagues at school, but I implore you, continue being who you are.  Do not sacrifice your unique and genuine character for the sake of a few friends. This is a hard request, I know. It’s difficult being around people five days a week and feeling like you have nothing in common with them, especially when you enjoy engaging in conversation, like we do. However, I promise that it’s for the best. When you resolve to show only your true self to those around you, the result is that you will only attract people who are genuinely interested in getting to know the real Triston Gollop. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  I want you to understand that you are enough and that you have always been enough. Continue on your God-fearing path, and I assure you that you will find yourself amid the right people.

I am so grateful for you, little Triston. Continue to grow, love, care, share, and pray, but also remember to have fun. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away the childish things.” You are not yet a man, so you are free to be and act like a child. I encourage you to take things one day at a time. Do not overemphasize the importance of being grown-up and thereby rob yourself of your youth. Instead, enjoy who you are, where you are, with the people you have, and always be sure to show your gratitude to our Father in heaven. 

I love you and always will.

Sincerely,
An Older You

About the Author

Triston Gollop hails from the beautiful twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago. He is currently pursuing a B.s.c. in Political Science and Psychology at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados.He has always had a passion for the performing arts. Triston won Third Place for Performing Arts in the 2019-2020 Engage Art Contest with his spoken word piece Insurrection.