2 月 25 日 letter to the future Dear Andrew (39 years old), Hello, how are you. This is yourself - 10 years ago, when you were 29. I wanted to write you a note to remind you of three little things that were in your head 10 years ago. 1. You know that really bad thing that just happened? Perhaps you just lost something important or were let down by someone you trust. Perhaps you just failed in a big project. You feel angry, sad and disappointed. Just remember that whether we understand it or not, things happen for a reason and the reason often turns out to be good. Remember when you didn't win the Rhodes Scholarship to go to Oxford University (6 Mar 1995)? You were so disappointed and self-destructive. And remember how by NOT getting the Rhodes Scholarship, you ended up going to Harvard? And then the Netherlands. And then Poland. And then Switzerland. And then China. Remember that day in Shanghai when you left your laptop computer in a taxi? (23 Feb 2007). You were so miserable at losing all that information and an expensive computer. And because of that, you learned to take better care of yourself, and your belongings - and not push yourself too hard. Remember the Rhodes, remember the laptop and know that no matter how dark the night, the light of dawn will soon arise. CHEER UP! And smile. 2. Go and tell your wife that you love her, and that you're really sorry for that stupid thing you did. You think you're right, but you're wrong. Remember how many times you had your heart broken before you could finally be together. How many times you sat alone in an empty hotel room wondering when you could finally live a happy life with the girl of your dreams. How nervous you were when you introduced her to your family - and how she wasn't smart enough, famous enough, caring enough, sweet enough, kind enough, educated enough etc. etc. etc. Remember the joy when they embraced her and came to love her as your perfect partner, to stand by your side forever. Remember your first child... and your second... and your third. Your children are the fruits of your love and the greatest reward for the heart-break of your younger years. So stop being such a stupid fool, go back to your wife and tell her she is the most gorgeous angel in your life and that you are wrong. Buy her some flowers. Now. 3. Call mum and dad and tell them that you love them. It is because of all the sacrifices they made when you were young, that you have succeeded today. They could have had a much easier life, but they didn't because they wanted you to be great. Everything you have achieved is because of the pressure, the hard words, the discipline that they gave you. And because of all the gifts and treasures they lavished upon you. Whenever you disagree with them, you're probably wrong. They've lived a lot longer than you. They've seen and done more. They've made all the mistakes that you are about to make. So LISTEN to them. Thank them. And love them. Yours sincerely, You (29 years old)