Written when love felt clearer than certainty (2015).
Let me start by saying how much I love you. What follows are a few words that I hope will guide you.
Live a full life. Be kind.
Chase what you want, even if it scares you. Fear is just part of the cost. Go anyway.
Keep your circle small. Trust those few people with everything you have. Strong bonds are built on truth, not politeness.
Speak well of others. It costs nothing to be generous.
Be loyal. Be gentle. Being hard is easy; being soft takes courage.
Laugh. Smile at strangers. Learn to sit in silence without reaching for a phone.
Look after your body. Move it every day. Health is freedom.
Find work that matters to you. If you can, make it matter to others, too.
It is alright to be weak. It is alright to cry.
Failure is not the end. It is just data. When doubt comes, let it pass like bad weather.
Give more than you take. If you lend money, expect nothing back.
Listen properly. Don't just wait for your turn to speak.
Be on time. It shows respect.
Be honest. Apologise first when you are wrong.
Treat the people you love better than you treat guests.
Marry for love. Hold hands when you can.
Be ambitious, but humble. Leave room for others to win.
Swim in rivers and the sea. Watch the sunrise now and then. Be spontaneous.
Laugh at yourself. Learn a few jokes. Play music if it calls to you.
Above all, know this. I love you. I am proud of you. I am always with you.
All my love,
Dad
Some things you write for the future end up teaching you how to live in the present.