What would your letter say if you were to write to your eight-year-old self?

By the time you were eight, you had an idea of what was going on around you, or at least a sense of what was desirable. You had experienced joy, sadness, expectations and disappointments.
     Hopefully, you had been loved, hugged and nurtured. And most likely, you dreamed of being older, and had a few role models and idols.
    You had been warned to be careful riding your bike on the road; warned about the dangers that existed "out there"; you have heard compliments and complaints; you have become aware that some of the agendas imposed on you are not for your own good, but for others; and, most likely, you looked forward to the day when you would go to highschool. University or college have not yet entered your sphere of concern.

I want you to write that letter to yourself
    It should be the kind of letter that you would have appreciated when you were eight years old. Think back to your younger self. Wouldn't it have been nice if someone had taken the time and possessed the insight to write a letter that helped you get from eight to 38.
    The first, and most important request is that you tell the truth. Remember, you are talking to yourself. Lying to yourself, especially an eight-year-old version of you, is not nice. So, a letter filled with excuses won't cut it. I don't think a younger version of you would be too impressed that they grew up to be a liar.
    And, would you really want the younger version of you to be impressed by your missdeeds?
    What gave you great joy?
    What was your most embarrassing moment?
    What advice would you give yourself?
    What would you have done differently?
    Who gave you good advice?
    Who gave you faulty directions?
    What were your triumphs? Who helped?
    What do you wish you had spent more time on?
    If you had a chance to relive those years since you were eight, what would you do differently?
    What would you do the same?
    What do you wish you had said?
    What school subjects deserved more attention?
    What school subjects were a waste of time?
    Which aunts and uncles were the real deal?
    What would really please your grandparents?
    Would your eight-year-old self be impressed or disappointed with what you have done?
    Got the idea?
    If the younger version of you had dreams, wishes, morality and beliefs, do they still exist? If they don't, why not?
    If a year from now you were to write a letter to your nine-year-old self, would it be any different?
    Would you be able to tell yourself that you have changed — that you have allowed those youthful dreams, desires and beliefs to climb back into your life? Or would it be likely that your nine-year-old self would be disappointed.
    You see, it is never too late to impress a younger version of you!