The Pageless Book

Dear John,

I am honestly disappointed in the way you’ve been ignoring your goals lately and concerned that you are losing your focus. Life isn’t something that you can just wait for to happen; it is something you must actively pursue. You haven’t written in almost a month, your work habits have become sloppy, and you can’t even be bothered to take care of yourself. Something has to change.

What is the problem? And I don’t mean that you should try placing blame on your personal circumstances, time limitations, or some outside influence; what is it, within you, that keeps you from aspiring to something greater? Have you just given into the idea that you will never aspire to anything? Have you settled for what you have, thinking that there is nothing better? Are you afraid of making the sacrifices necessary to succeed? Are you truly content just to be a dreamer and nothing more?

Look, I don’t mean to belabor the point, but it has been a year since you’ve decided that you want to become a minister, and you are only a fraction closer now than you where then. You have made little effort to return to school or even be consistent in your writing. And despite how much you would like to believe that your drinking is not excessive, it is impairing you from reaching your goals and making you complacent. I know it stings to hear that. I know perfectly well how it irritates you when your wife tells you she is concerned about your drinking. Yeah, well, it should irritate, but not because you resent the implication. You should be irritated because you’ve thought the same thing yourself. No one thinks you are an alcoholic, but you need to cool it before your become one. Not just for a day, not for a week, and not for a month, but for a substantial amount of time.

And for God’s sake, instead of ignoring your emotions and opting to numb yourself with food, television and other distractions, you need to confront your personal demons and tackle them head on. You know how important it is to work on yourself; although it is hard, it is also very necessary. Growing as a person doesn’t happen without effort. Constant effort and an honest desire to become something - to make something of yourself.

John, In seven months you will be thirty. I know you’ve never been the type to count down the days of your life - you are not afraid of getting older. However, you have said that you want to make a difference in this world. If you think that is accomplished by just letting the years slip past you without taking initiative, you will be sadly disappointed when your time is up. You are a good person, despite your flaws and fears. That doesn’t give you an excuse not to live up to your own potential. No excuses - do what needs to be done. Be the person you want to become.

Love and Namaste,
Your Better Self.

Photo by Marshall Astor.