Guide From The Future

31 December 2094

If you’re reading this, please don’t freak out. Everything I am about to tell you is all true. I traveled a long, formidable distance so that this journal can reach you and be a guiding light, steering you away from bad choices and leading you toward the right path. Sometimes life gives us a second chance, and that’s what this is. A second chance for you. For me. For us. So don’t take it for granted. This is your vade mecum. I know you’re confused and have all the right to be, but trust me. I want the best for you. For us. My life has been marked by unwise decisions and regrettable choices. I don’t want you to bear the weight of the same burden I endured.

Who am I? I am you. More like a future version of you, reaching out to you in the present. We are living in two different times. In a parallel universe. I know it’s difficult to fathom that all of this could exist, but you must have faith in me. I am you, from the future. You are me in the present. I’ve walked in your shoes before, and now you’re walking in mine.

1 Jan 2095

Happy New Year. You have stepped into a new year with new hopes. I only want the best for you.

4 January 2095

My words may lack credibility without supporting evidence, so I am presenting you with substantiating proof of events that are about to take place in your life.

You will lose the wood carving that you did for a school project. Actually, someone is going to steal and throw it in the trash can at the cafeteria.

Your birthday is just around the corner. You have your heart set on a strawberry cake, but your mother accidentally will get you a chocolate cake instead. You will be so furious that you’ll smash the cake on the wall. Keep your emotions in check and try not to let your temper get the best of you. Mom worked hard to save the money for the cake. She even missed a few lunches.

26 January 2095

I sit alone in loneliness as I write to you. Before we start you need to understand what I have become or what we have become and sharing my life journey with you is something I am frantic about. My desperation stems from wanting you to have a different path than mine, hoping you won’t make the same mistakes I made. My regrets are endless, and it’s too late to do anything about it. The ship has sailed. You have a long journey in life and I want you to be careful. I know you’re confused but listen to me.

There is no easy way to say this. Sadly, we are not living the most fulfilling life. It’s a landscape full of mistakes and regrets. Despite our long lifespan, the decision I made has robbed our lives of quality.

27 January 2095

Happy Birthday!

13 February 2095

If I have to gauge our success by worldly standards, I would say we’re doing well for ourselves financially. Fame and fortune have found their way into my life. Our life. But that alone isn’t enough.

I thought ambition and status would offer satisfaction, and they do for a little while, but it doesn’t guarantee long-term gratification. Remember, it’s not always about the money.

1 March 2095

My delinquent lifestyle as a teenager brought Mom a lot of headaches, so you better stay away from it. It’s not worth it. She loves you even if she doesn’t say or show, so don’t take it out on her. Juggling the responsibility of caring for your terminally ill brother and the constant struggle to make ends meet leaves her little room to attend to your needs.

It’s tough being a single mother and raising two kids. Especially when one needs constant attention. Your frustration is understandable but behaving like a spoiled child isn’t.

17 March 2095

You don’t have much time with your brother. He will die before his ninth birthday. Life is too short to hold a grudge. It’s not his fault for being sick. Cherish the little time you have with him. He loves you!

18 March 2095

The death of our brother made me believe Mom would finally prioritize me and give me the attention I longed for, but she isolated herself in grief and that only grew my hatred toward her. Little did I understand, she was going through a great loss. Be kind to her.

22 April 2095

After leaving home, I didn’t keep in touch with Mom. Despite her efforts to connect with me, I remained unwilling to engage with her. Even when she was on the brink of death, I couldn't bring myself to visit her. I also made a conscious decision to stay away from her funeral. I am tormented by the consequences of my thoughtless decision, a relentless burden I cannot escape. It was my responsibility to be there for her. She died a lonely death, as I am about to. Never give up on family. There is nothing more important than them.

12 May 2095

You see, the path of success is never easy. To get what I desire, it becomes necessary to confront and incapacitate a few individuals to achieve my aim.

Could I have done it differently? Yes! But I took the simple route. I am not proud of it. Along the way, because of my misdeed, I lost a few good friends. They have distanced themselves from me. I can never blame them. Believe me when I say, the cost of losing good friends is not worth the temporary satisfaction. It’s best to learn to flourish together, like a garden where each plant blossoms in harmony with the others. Success is not a sprint, you don’t have to run alone.

16 May 2095

My heart was shattered by those who didn’t deserve it, leaving me cautious and guarded. And when the right person appeared, I built impenetrable walls to protect myself, only to let the love I should have treasured slip away. There’s nothing wrong with being vigilant. Remember to stay open to new possibilities. Something I have failed to do.

18 May 2095

I had a selfish mindset. My unwillingness to help others was born from a self-centered perspective, rooted in the belief that no one offered help when I faced difficulties. I realize belatedly that I should have been kind to people around me. I was in a position where I could have made a lot of difference in so many people’s lives. My selfish nature prevented me from doing so. There is never a time when being kind is a mistake.

31 May 2095

Embracing a balanced diet, prioritizing restful sleep, and engaging in regular exercise will fill you with boundless energy and a sense of vitality.

So eat well, sleep well, and exercise well. Your wealth is your health. Only after it was too late did I realize the wisdom in embracing a simple way of life. The 24 hours a day wasn’t enough for me. With time becoming a valuable commodity to earn money, my sleep dwindled to a mere fraction. I indulged in a less nutritious meal. I never exercise. My body bore the profound consequences of my lifestyle choices, suffering.

7 June 2095

I can’t control you or make you do things the right way. But remember, the decision we make today has a greater impact tomorrow. All I am asking is you to be careful when you make that crucial decision. I am ashamed of the person I have become and hope you decide to lead the right path. The truth is, we are all waiting to die. We just have to make sure it’s a worthwhile wait, as the bitter reality is none of us can escape death. May your life be filled with love, kindness, peace, health, and contentment. Have a beautiful life!