A letter from Dec 19, 2024

Dear Emma, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know you probably have many assignments to do (or perhaps have just recovered from some), but do yourself a favour and enjoy your 21st. Your 20th birthday marked the end of your teens. The end of an era. Your 21st marks the beginning of your 20s. This is what you’ll get to tell your kids about. So make it worth the story. I know you wanted a big 21st party similar to that of your 18th but let’s face it — you have no friends, no prospects, get a move on. Kidding :)) …kinda. Though, I do hope that from this year onwards you learn to appreciate the moving of time more and less of the things you do or presents you get. Life is not about materialistic things but about the people you enjoy it with, the experiences. That being said, I hope you’ve booked yourself a holiday this year because boy do you need it. I write this to you before Christmas, with little idea of how you’ve spent the holidays and New Years but I do hope it was memorable. BUT what I do know for a fact is that not much will change in 2 months time so lower your expectations. So, for your 21st I hope you have a cute photoshoot (with like the 21 shadow in the back, yeah i know I’m basic), some fun times with your family, going out, sharing experiences etc. If not then, at least spend it well and be grateful for all the good things you have in your life. Even if they’re not as good as you expected them to. I know we can all agree that your expectations far exceed your reality, and that’s fine. It’s not reality that’s a problem but your lack of gratitude. Honestly, thank God everyday for all the beautiful things in life that he’s given you, because you are one lucky person. Not just for all you have, but who you are. For guiding you on the right path and being the person that strives to be worthy of his love. Again, well done. You have gotten so far in life I couldn’t be more proud. 7 year old us is the proudest, let’s face it. She wasn’t even sure if she’d get into law school. And yet here she is, reading this email, well into her 3rd year. Almost there. And look at it from a positive perspective. Whatever grades you get or hurdles you encounter, you will always get past them. Never lose sight of yourself and of God’s will. Keep going. Keep thriving. I hope this year treats you right. And I know it will. Because you’re in charge of it. Whether that’s good or bad news, that’s your call to action. Stop watching life go by, start living it. Through whatever means it takes, start living your life to the fullest. Your 20s will go by way too fast. Enjoy it. Enjoy your youth. Romanticise every single little thing. And be grateful for everything, even the lack of change. Remember, things staying the same is so much better than things taking a turn for the worst. In fact, it’s the biggest blessing. So be grateful. Learn to love yourself before anyone else. You have time. Yes, time flies but it’s still there. Or something motivational like that, I don’t know I should be studying and completing 4 assignments by now. But it’s interesting isn’t it? You’re probably sitting there laughing (or crying) about having already finished those assignments that I spent so long stressing on and losing the time I could have spent with my family or anything else. The beauty of hindsight. Now enough with that, we know how much you love your birthdays. So even if you’re not doing anything out of this world, know that I’m happy for you. I’M happy you’re turning 21 so you should be too. Love, Emma PS: lowering your expectations doesn’t mean taking a pessimistic stance on everything. Realism ***** joy. Learn to balance those out and you’ll do great.