Dear...

Dear Younger Self

Truly dearest;

Don't be afraid. I know what I'm saying, don't be afraid. I am sixteen years old now, an age you have imagined to have and wondered how different would it be from thirteen. Your life begins today, your life as Palomino begins. And I will tell you something: regardless of what is going to happen, you will be alright and never forget to be thankful for everything. You'll understand these words when you write them.

Soon, your life will start teaching you. Soon, you will become someone in society that won't be neglected. You'll be shiny: you are special. For some reason, I forgot it along the way, but you are special. And even me I can say you will be special throughout the following years. Remember what they taught you in church? He who has much received, much will be asked for. You will be punched, not one, not two, but eight times and more. So far I know eight wounds you will have, but trust me, my friend: don't be afraid. Fear is just anticipation, not of the unreal belief, but of the real belief. When you tried to cross that river clinging over that rope you weren't afraid of the fall: you were afraid your arms weren't very strong. But you could and when the river fell behind you excitement and rejoice flooded your heart. You and I are yet to find that feeling, just let's grab that rope even when our arms aren't that strong. Fear will only make you hesitate before jumping, lose time, have others cross and leave without you.

I have said life will punch you eight times: don't be afraid in those eight times. Fear has only made things tougher than they shouldn't. Fear it's one of our madness, and it is only destructive. Be brave, dear friend, and you will have the same learnings I had with less tears.

Life will put you to trial because of something you can't deny. You can't, not because it's impossible, but because you decide to. Your life begins when your decisions change your life. And this decision, when you will be questioned, scorned, imprisoned, tortured and questioned again, is the first you took. You will carry the flag of the lonely nation; you will be the ambassador of the rejected leader. Trust yourself, because on that podium the only one pledging to say the truth and nothing but the truth is you.

Your passion is your fuel. You are a person who will give his all to nothing. Your energy is endless; you will put your might into the smallest artwork. Your dreams will push you to your total capacity. The road is open; you don't have a map, but your fuel is... let's say, infinite. Don't be afraid; the road is right there. You can do this... you can do this.

Madness lurks within us just as our virtues. They bear our name too. Never forget that. The sooner you accept your madness, the faster it will heal. And there will be a time when you will be struck the worst for the first time. Even when you say you will fly higher, ignoring the storm will get you nowhere.

Past from this I cannot say much. I haven't found the complete truth of what has happened. But this is what it is about dear friend; your life is amazing because you don't know what's next. And I know what's next for you, but I won't tell, as God knows what's next for me as he won't tell.