Tegami

I listen to The First Take series of music on YouTube a lot, and thanks to the algorithm, there was this song that kept coming up. After a few more listens, I went to check it out more.

The song is Tegami-Haikei Juugo No Kimi E (手紙 ～拝啓 十五の君へ) by Angela Aki, which translates to Letter: Greetings to a 15 Year Old.

The lyrics and translation provide more depth to this song, but simply put, it’s about a 15-year old writing a letter to their future self about anxieties over the future, and receiving an encouraging reply.

Considering I’m now 40 years old and learning so many things, it makes me wonder what I’d tell my 20-year old self, and conversely what a future 60-year old version of me would tell my current self.

One thing I’ve finally learnt to accept, is that nothing lasts forever, or as the saying goes - this too shall pass. While growing up, I’d use that to comfort myself, reminding myself that the tough times don’t last. Now as I grow older, I understand that it is also a double-edged sword. I’m comforted that the tough times won’t be forever. I’m also accepting that the good times can be fleeting too.

I’m slowly learning to accept the concept of impermanence. Things happen, circumstances change, and life moves on. It just is.

This also reminds me a lot about a series of letters I wanted to write to my 8-year old son, to guide him as he grows up, and also as I learn more in life. I’m always very grateful that Dries Buytaert was willing to share his version of this, via his Principles for Life, which interestingly also highlights the healing nature of music. I’ll get around to writing this series in the future, and hopefully share a version of it.

Finally, it also reminded me that Charlie Munger has often suggested to write your obituary the way you want it written, and then live life accordingly. I’m a big fan of Charlie, and often do things in an inverse manner too. I wanted to write a version, in my own flavour.