Fellow Over-Fifties: What would you write to your preteen self?
This took me years to finish.
Dearest Young Master!
Isn't it high time you finally admitted it?
We, your family, don't mean to hurt or embarrass you, we simply ask you, please! Don't pretend any longer.
We know how frightening the big bullies are at school. You feel safer if you hide away what glows in your heart. But it is not healthy to remain there. Not being true to your heart will begin to stunt your emotional growth. Some people are simply too thick to distinguish noble character from vanity. Don't let them squelch the power of your love.
You know your parents heard the song you boldly sang one recent morning as you lived a dream behind your locked door:
"I am all dressed up now to go to school!"
We thought it truly charming, and more. One of the great Hollywood artists, Fred Astaire, sang with warmth and attractive suavity about the details of his best suit, his White Tie and Tails, much as you did. There is nothing wrong with charm if practiced from a full, loving heart. Your desire to look nice is born of pure Love! and yes, we know exactly what you feel below your heart and what you find your hands just have to do there.
You're young, and frustrated that you can't put on your best clothes for school everyday. This is a noble desire; you know you are exceptional in some ways, and fine clothes remind you to take respectful care of your gifts. People will relax about your appearance as soon as they're convinced you neither make a big deal out of it nor think you're better. Dr. __ suggested a sort of strategy a sharp mind like yours might enjoy, especially because it's fact-based. Demonstrate simple respect and admiration for all others, who feel so at-home in their casual attire; you tried, but can't. Not all "Special Needs" children are below-average in all traits, as assumed from familiar stereotypes. Your suit fills your need for a protective layer, an emotional bandage, a reliance on the help of accepted ritual, custom, good manners; formal wear was invented not for people to show off and feel superior, but to drive them to study excellence. Know why you're dressing well, and you will soon grow out of your embarrassing, very understandable, obvious and universally familiar thrill in your young pants. Otherwise, you will dig yourself farther into shame and confusion and the world will never know of your special gifts, which can grow into nearly anything you choose!
Dearest Young Master!
Isn't it high time you finally admitted it?
We, your family, don't mean to hurt or embarrass you, we simply ask you, please! Don't pretend any longer.
We know how frightening the big bullies are at school. You feel safer if you hide away what glows in your heart. But it is not healthy to remain there. Not being true to your heart will begin to stunt your emotional growth. Some people are simply too thick to distinguish noble character from vanity. Don't let them squelch the power of your love.
You know your parents heard the song you boldly sang one recent morning as you lived a dream behind your locked door:
"I am all dressed up now to go to school!"
We thought it truly charming, and more. One of the great Hollywood artists, Fred Astaire, sang with warmth and attractive suavity about the details of his best suit, his White Tie and Tails, much as you did. There is nothing wrong with charm if practiced from a full, loving heart. Your desire to look nice is born of pure Love! and yes, we know exactly what you feel below your heart and what you find your hands just have to do there.
You're young, and frustrated that you can't put on your best clothes for school everyday. This is a noble desire; you know you are exceptional in some ways, and fine clothes remind you to take respectful care of your gifts. People will relax about your appearance as soon as they're convinced you neither make a big deal out of it nor think you're better. Dr. __ suggested a sort of strategy a sharp mind like yours might enjoy, especially because it's fact-based. Demonstrate simple respect and admiration for all others, who feel so at-home in their casual attire; you tried, but can't. Not all "Special Needs" children are below-average in all traits, as assumed from familiar stereotypes. Your suit fills your need for a protective layer, an emotional bandage, a reliance on the help of accepted ritual, custom, good manners; formal wear was invented not for people to show off and feel superior, but to drive them to study excellence. Know why you're dressing well, and you will soon grow out of your embarrassing, very understandable, obvious and universally familiar thrill in your young pants. Otherwise, you will dig yourself farther into shame and confusion and the world will never know of your special gifts, which can grow into nearly anything you choose!
70-79, T
