We Can't Rewind

Hello readers, I hope this finds you in a better place than it leaves me. (Hanging from a lamppost over an event horizon).

Yesterday I watched a video on youtube by the international superstar blogger-that-looks-like-a lot like-David Tennant aka Dr Who, Littleradge. Otherwise known as Liam, I believe. (Check him out here)

Anyway, in said video said vlogger spoke about going back in time ten years and talking to his younger self, imparting various nuggets of wisdom upon the, what I would have assume; open mouthed wee lad staring in disbelief at an older version of himself, possibly about to have a mental breakdown as he attempts to work out the how this event could be possible. I assume that, because it’s what I would do if confronted by a version of myself from the future – that, and ask for the results of some major sporting events that have yet to take place. Ka-ching.

He then asks what you (Yes, you) would tell yourself. My immediate reaction was, great idea I’d tell my fourteen year old self

1 Get a haircut

2 Here the are the results of every major sporting event between 1998-2008 – Use them

3 Don’t be so angry at the world; it’s not worth it

4 You have no idea what you want to do when you leave school – Let me save you a lot of time, look for something involving History, Photography and Writing.

5 You’re right – Aliens do exist, they appear in five years and take over the world.

6 Study harder

7 Be a better role model to your brothers and sister

8 I was joking about the Aliens.

9 Start rowing - you’ll love it

10. Stop worrying about what other people think of you

I then went into the kitchen, put the kettle on and proceeded to cook some noodles; chow mien flavoured, (in case you were wondering) happy with the thought of being able to get the things I want now, by putting my younger self on the same track present me is on, still playing in my mind.

But then I got thinking, I’m not the same person I was ten years ago; technically I’m not the same person was then I wrote that last line, or am I? Feel free to add your philosophies at the end - but I’m not going into that right now.

I don’t think I would listen to myself. I would like to think I would, but looking back on how I was then, I honestly doubt present me would get through. For the simple reason that wee-me (as me ten years ago shall hence forth be known) would have yet to encounter the people, and have had the experiences I have had. He would be too wrapped up in himself, and the goings on in this immediate little world to understand and see a bigger picture.

At this point in my thought process, I’d finished my tea and hit the coffee. Not really relevant but I was stuck as to how to continue this entry. Fortunately for you, I have just jumped that hurdle.

The video got me thinking about the last ten years, and I realised just how much of a journey I have had, mentally that is. Physically I haven’t travelled that far; well, I have done most of Europe and some of Africa – But the mental journey has been much greater. Trust me.

With this hindsight came the thought that actually, would I want to go back and change wee-me into current me? Whilst there are things I would like to change – I have lots of fantastic memories from various adventures, and have met people that have inspired me, taught me, made me laugh or have become good friends.

Changing wee-me, even slightly – could prevent any of that from happening. One thing I have learnt; that wee-me has yet to, is that I truly appreciate the people that have come into my life and changed it – and in the process changed me.

So much so, that I would not want to go back and change anything ten years ago – except the maybe the hair. Yes, definitely the hair.

People are fantastic. You are all awesome, unless I’ve met you and called you a douchebag – in which case, you are in fact a douchebag. Sorry.