Advice to Myself

Once there was a little girl,
who had a very old soul,
and a goldfish called Fish.

This little girl grew up to love books;
she had a head full of stories,
and would one day write them down.

But for now she'd sort through her toys,
and pretend someone else walked in Barbie's shoes,
someone less plastic.

Listen:
these are words you need to hear,
for the past, present, and future.

Embrace changes the universe sends your way,
and don't pass by an opportunity,
just because you're scared.

Good things will come to you,
Bad things, too,
and even both at the same time.

Have patience with people,
and also with tea, because
it needs more time to steep than you think.

Forgive your father for his distance,
and remember that he tried;
we all try.

Take time to sleep and meditate,
read good books, try to write one,
and talk to old friends.

Be an emotional idiot sometimes,
never stop believing in magic,
and try to be extraordinary.

Listen,
and do these things for as long as you can,
until your time on this planet is through.