A Letter to My Younger Self

Dear Younger Me,

You are hungry. You want to make something of yourself.
You are inspired by the people who have made it. The Entrepreneurs, the CEOs, the top-rankers, the ones who went to IITs and all the ‘big’ colleges society says are the only way to succeed.
You didn’t get in. And it stung. You thought maybe you missed your only shot.
But let me tell you – you didn’t miss anything.

Life doesn’t begin or end with one exam or one college. You don’t need a brand name to build a meaningful life. You will still find purpose. You will still grow. You will still get where you are meant to go – just on your own road.

That pressure you feel right now isn’t true.
It just feels big and loud in this moment.

Life is not a single race. It is a bunch of seasons. You will try things. You will quit some. You will love people. You will lose some. You will tell the truth. You will lie to yourself sometimes too. That doesn’t mean you have failed. It means you are human.

You are going to turn 20.
Then 40.
Then someday, you will be gone.
And in between, you will mess up a lot. That is how you make it. That is how you learn.

People will tell you not to blow your one chance. What they won’t tell you is blowing it is part of the deal. The key is to mess up in ways that don’t break you. Avoid risks that put you in harm. But don’t fear looking stupid. Embarrassment is recoverable. Often, it is the beginning of strength.

Trust your gut. It is golden.

You only have one asset in this life that doesn’t change: you.

That may sound obvious. But it is the best thing I can tell you.

Most people spend their lives chasing things outside themselves – titles, validation, applause. But all of it is smoke. You will see.

Sure, chase your dreams. Love people. Take the wild leap. But don’t forget that the constant through it all is you.

Value yourself. Stand up for yourself. Speak up for yourself. Even when you mess up.

You don’t need to wait for a better version of yourself to show up. You are already enough. With all your flaws and wonder and questions. That’s the good stuff. That’s your shine.

There is no need to delay joy. Someday is a trap. Right now is your life.

What makes you feel good about being alive? What feels real and right in your gut? Do more of that.

Because here is the truth: No grade, no job, no person, no status can fill the place of knowing and loving who you are.

Status is a game.
Status is grades.
Status is who your parents brag about.
Status is what makes you compare your life to someone else’s highlight reel.
Status is cold and empty.

Love is the thing that matters.

Love for your people.
Love for your life.
Love for your work.
Love for your weird, wild self.

Ambition is fine. But if it chokes out your joy, it is not worth it. If it makes you bitter, you have lost your way.

When love is not part of the picture, everything feels broken. Gratitude disappears. You start blaming, picking, finding fault with everything and everyone.

Peace of mind is the real power.
It is not easy, but here is what helps:

• Meditate.
• Wish others well.
• Do kind things.
• Focus on one thing at a time.
• Look for what you like.
• Don’t expect perfection.

And please have fun.
Fun is not optional. It’s survival.

The world will pull you in every direction, and the pressure will scream in your ear.

But here is the secret: You do your best work when you are happy.

So when things fall apart – laugh. Breathe. Keep moving.

Here’s what will carry you through anything:
Friends. Realness. Love.

Those three. They will hold you steady when life gets rough. Talk about your fears. Share your pain. Shine a light on the dark corners. You will see they are not as scary when shared.

And remember: the more love you give yourself, the more you will find coming your way. Always remember what Babuji always says – Jo deta hai so pata hai. You have few more years with him. Soak up all the lessons you can. 

With love,

The you who made it to 60.