Dear Younger Self

Happy Tuesday #Jontourage,

Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be.  Let's jump right into it....

Recently a new friend of mine, Antionette Blake (blogger and social media guru extraordinaire), asked what is some advice you would give to your younger self.  After much thought, here is what I would actually share with young ‘Jonny’.  So I decided to write ‘Jonny’ a short letter:

Dear Jonny,

1. It's your life, stop waiting on the approval and support of your circle before you do what you want. Remember they aren't checking in with you every time they wanna do something. They just do it and inform you later. You had goals before anyone had an opinion.
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2. Parents are just people who are older but still have to grow and learn too. Remember they have only been a parent as a long as you have been a child (unless you have an older sibling)

3. The quicker you stop making excuses for why your goals aren't accomplished, the quicker they will be accomplished. Replace the time you spend making excuses with time you actually work on the dream. You will find that is a much better usage of your time.

4. Need is not bad, need is need! The dictionary does NOT define the word "need" as someone or something who is weak or lackluster. It defines need as "requiring something because it is essential". Don't beat yourself up for asking for help

5. Your differences are not your biggest weakness, instead they are your biggest strength. The leaders of nations of countries and major companies were people who weren't afraid to embrace their uniqueness which put them over the other candidates.

Above all else, you got this! Some days will be better than others but you have to keep an open mind that everything you go through is building to something better.  Stay focused!

Sincerely,
Jonathan

Moral of the story:  All you go through is meant to make you stronger.  You can’t marry your successes and divorces your failures.  It’s all inclusive.
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Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it!  Until next time, stay classy... ​