Something To Think About

While getting ready for work the past 3 mornings, I have heard Brad Paisley's newest single, Letter To Me, off his album, 5th Gear. For those of you that have not heard the song 1) because you don't like country music or 2) because you just really haven't listened to the radio, the song is about Brad writing a letter to himself at the age of 17 and all the things he wish he would have known then. It is a pretty neat song and got me thinking about what I would say to myself at age 17, if I had the chance to write that letter now.

I have been pondering this for 3 days now and while I would not change a thing about my high school days, I think I have learned a few things in the past 10 years or so that would have been beneficial to me back then.

1. Don't take things so seriously. While I had a lot of fun in high school, I also stressed about grades and college and the future. I think things fall into place naturally and life takes you where it is supposed to.
2. Spend more time with Grandpa Bob.
3. Breakups are hard, but they only make you a better person.
4. Appreciate your parents and don't worry them so much. I was a fairly good kid growing up, but I know that I took my parents for granted back then and did some things I am not so proud of. They were really cool parents and I am not sure I appreciated them as much as I should have.
5. Drinking SoCo at Horde Fest 1995 is not a good idea. Or, if you decide that it is, do not drink nearly as much as you think you can, you will not enjoy the concert!
6. Go to homecoming your senior year with Aaron, but thank goodness for Stacy and Andy, they were your lifesavers that night.

There is one part of the song that I would most definitely include in my letter because I think it is so true:

"you got so much up ahead, you'll make new friends, you should see your kids and wife (husband) and I'd end by saying have no fear these are nowhere near the best days of your life"

What would you include in your letter?