Letter To My Son
Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him…”
Dear Son,
You don’t know me yet, but you’re already one of the greatest things I’ll ever create.
Which is saying a lot because I once seared pear and added it to a savory gnocchi dish, and it paired very well (no pun intended). A joke, but it is one of the best things I’ve done from this point.
By the time you meet me, I’ll probably have my act together. I might even look like I’ve always known what I’m doing. Maybe I’ll look like a superhero to you. And I’ll take that.
But just know, there were years of confusion, mistakes, anxiety, and figuring it out that came before you.
At the ripe age of 25, long before your conception, I’m writing you this letter. These are lessons I’ve learned from doing life wrong, doing it right, and everything in between.
I am only 25 and I’m still learning, but bear with me:
1. Don’t Chase What Runs In The Opposite Direction: People. Opportunities. Trends. If you have to beg it to notice you, it’s not yours. I’ve chased shiny things and ended up exhausted and empty. That chase will have you bending yourself just to be seen by something that was never meant for you. Protect your peace.
2. Iron Sharpens Iron: Keep people around who challenge you, not just hype you up. My closest boys are funny, loyal, and brutally honest. They keep me sharp. You’re allowed to outgrow people who don’t push you forward. Respect them, but don’t shrink to fit in.
3. Good Sleep > Good Vibes: There were nights I stayed out just to feel included. Spoiler: I still felt left out, and I was dead tired the next day. Choose rest over regret. That one extra drink usually ruins your memory, not makes it better.
4. Embrace the Tortoise: Everyone acts like they’re sprinting. Most are walking fast and hoping nobody notices. Move at your own pace. Take your time and build something that lasts. A fast moving life burns out quick.
5. Relationships Are Cool, But Peace Of Mind Is Cooler: You’ll meet people who confuse chaos with connection. It’s not about constantly proving yourself. It’s about being seen and heard. Your relationships should bring peace, not constant pressure.
6. The Gym Is Therapy: Lifting fixed a lot. Talking fixed the rest. Don’t bottle it up. I did for a while, and it made everything a lot heavier. Move your body and your mouth. Both can save you in different ways.
7. You’ll Never Regret Being Kind (But Be Sharp Too): Kindness is strength, not a weakness. Be the guy who opens doors and sees red flags early. Be warm but don’t be naive. Know when to walk away and when to speak up. There’s power in being both gentle and aware.
8. Cool Isn’t Loud. Cool Is Quiet Confidence: The loudest one in the room is usually hiding something. Sometimes it was me. The real ones don’t need to prove it, they just are. Confidence is how you carry yourself, not how much noise you make.
9. Protect Your Focus: Your attention is currency. Don’t blow it on distractions that don’t feed you. Trends, social media, performative behavior, most of it’s noise. Guard your time and your mind.
10. Mistakes Are Okay: You will definitely mess up. I do. We all do. The important part is what you do with this lesson. Don’t sulk because you made a mistake. Own it. Learn from it. Keep pushing. No one has this whole “life” thing figured out.
11. Talk To God, Even When You’re Upset: I’ve gone quiet on Him before. Had nights where I didn’t wanna pray or fake the whole “everything’s fine” routine. Sometimes I was angry, sometimes I was confused. But every time I came back, He was still there, no judgment, just peace. Don’t wait until you feel holy. Just talk to Him.
Whenever you read this, whether you’re 14, 25, or 31 and probably raiding my closet for something vintage (by future standards), I hope it hits at the right time.
Just know: I didn’t have all the answers at 25… but I had enough to fill a blog post.
Love, the one you’ll call Dad.
