play - enlish

TO MY FUTURE SELF, 19/01/2025 (my 17th birthday) To my future self in 7 years when I join the workforce: Will I peruse my aspirations and maintain my ethics, or will I fall victim to the allure of money and fame, and stop playing? Make sure that I maintain my individuality and not let others restrict our ambitions. Yet, ensure that I am still enjoying myself as I am still 17; society may make you believe that you may need to act like an adult but do not let these stipulations limit you, continue playing. People around you may call you childish and a rule breaker, but to me you are someone who is just trying to enjoy themselves in the ephemeral existence they have. The shadows of conformity may try to eclipse the childhood light inside of you, but it is your duty to maintain the spark of playfulness and curiosity. To my future self when I get married: Will I understand the values of collaboration and connection when playing with others? Remember that the synergy that you will have with your wife, will allow you to experience levels of joy that were unachievable by yourself. But this sentiment extends beyond the realm of marriage, it extends to all relationships you establish with people: family, friends, or even strangers. Treat every person with respect and admiration, as each of us lives a short life, so make sure that everyone can play cheerfully and fairly. Also, do not forget that nothing is perfect, some interactions when playing with strangers, or even those you cherish may not go your way. Be resilient. And realise that your wife will not be perfect either. And neither will you. It is your responsibility, alongside hers, to improve each other and work on each other’s flaws, so you two can play together with more compatibility. And lastly, never forget to embrace every moment with her, as one day your shared bed will only have one person waking up in it. To my future self when I have children: Will I expose them to a loving and caring environment, much like the one I blissfully played in? Let their childhood be a garden of imagination—vibrant, free, and full of wonder when playing. Give them more than just comfort—give them memories rich with laughter, missteps, growth, and joy. Even the difficult moments while playing through the game of life will serve their purpose, forming a tapestry of resilience and shaping them into their fullest selves. Share your wisdom—not as commandments, but as stories. Let them learn from your stumbles as much as your successes. Teach them not only how to live, but how to play—how to dance lightly through the heavy moments, to find wonder in the ordinary, and to laugh even when life isn’t perfect. Remind them that time is fleeting, and joy is never wasted. Help them understand that true strength lies not in following others, but in leading with kindness, conviction, and inquisitiveness, playfully. But also show them that play must coexist with purpose. There are times for laughter—and times to listen. There are rules to stretch—but also rules to respect. Enjoyment and responsibility are not enemies—they are partners in a meaningful life filled with play. Give them the tools to build a future, even while their hands are messy with paint or sand. That is the essence of play: not escape, but engagement. Not forgetting the world—but shaping it joyfully. To my future self on my deathbed, Will you remember the money you made or the relationships you had from playing with others? They say time is money, so I hope you didn’t trade yours away. They say you have 7 minutes after you die to reflect on all your memories, so I hope those 7 minutes felt like an eternity of the genuine aspects of playing through life: maintaining ethics, love, and laughter. I hope that you made sure to fill your life with purpose and not worry about the judgement of others trying to restrict you from playing. And I hope you understood that the true essence of life remains with the understanding that time is limited, and you should therefore be grateful for the time you did have to play. Always remain playing. (make sure to adapt here) SINCERELY, YOUR 17 YEAR OLD PLAYFUL SELF.

English