note to self
Hey Wee Carl, Get this – it’s me at the ripe old age of 50 writing to me at the tender age of 16. Here’s some of what I’ve learned along the way which may be of use.
You don’t always know best, but there’s not that much wrong in thinking you do. Just perhaps, build in a tiny bit of humility and be big enough to know when to call upon it. Remember, saying sorry always gives you the moral high ground in any event!
You haven’t realised it yet but you’ve a talent with people; you’re able to get them to do things which are good for the both of you, even if they’re not to sure about it. Thankfully, you think you’re always right so that makes it all OK but occasionally, a reality check wouldn’t go amiss. By the time you realise this you’ll know you should have been more ambitious, more daring and the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
Even though you may have possessed a worthy bedside manner you need to drop the mistaken believe that the medical profession awaits you with baited breath. It doesn’t and the fact that you manage to scrape an O level in Latin changes not a jot. Things are going to be very different from how you imagine them currently, and that’s no bad thing. Get out there, take your chances, have the sense to see the pearl in the oyster and you’ll be fine.
Lighten up a bit and you’ll be way more successful with the ladies. Intensity at 16 is quite cool, at 46 it’s a sure sign of the early onset of senile dementia! Be a pal, play the goon and you’ll never be completely alone. And finally, no one will be a harsher critic, so give yourself a break now and then. And whilst you’re there do the same for the rest of us.
Ta, Carl.
PS Keep an eye on the demon-drink. It’s only a short step from being the life & soul to the drunken boor.
