‘Dearest sister and brother ...” began a four-page letter written more than 15 years ago to mark an important stage in my life: moving out of home in Jeddah to study at a Canadian university.
In an age when important events in our lives are celebrated with short messages on social media, finding such a letter provides an interesting trip down memory lane.
The world as it appeared to the 16-year-old me was a wholesome place where people were kind and helpful. Reading over the letter, I realised how I used complete words. Nowadays, I am more likely to send a short smartphone message that uses abbreviated language.
My handwriting was clear then and I could tell I was careful with words as it was harder to delete them from a handwritten paper. Somehow, there is added depth to a letter written by an innocent girl who was missing her room at home, her tree, her mother’s cooking and the family cats.
This younger Rym wanted to change the world by becoming a vet (to save animals), a doctor (to save people) and a pilot (so that she could fly to wherever help was needed). Yes, I wanted to be all three at the same time. Then, I didn’t think of print journalism at all, instead I depended on my camera to document everything. There was also a mention of going to space with my siblings, along with our cats and exploring the universe.
Given a chance, I would now write this to my younger self: “Dear Rym, I write this to you with great love and pride. For while you have not accomplished your dreams of becoming a vet, a doctor and a pilot, you have managed to do all three indirectly via journalism, whenever you were able to give exposure to those in need and highlight important issues. You built yourself from nothing and you did it by yourself.
“First of all, never take those who helped you for granted, you will forget some of them and you will lose touch, so at least send them positive prayers.
“You mustn’t be too hard and critical of yourself or others. Don’t be quick to judge people by the expectations of very strict religious teachers who I later realised did more harm than good. There is no black and white, there is no us versus them.
“When in doubt, choose the middle ground and accept people as they are. If you could see what I see now, a return of extremism, where people hurt each other based on what names someone may carry or what title they happen to live by.
“Don’t lose this positive outlook and open heart. React to hate and fear with love and understanding. You will need this many times over the next few years as you will travel to new places with different sets of values and traditions. Take your time and learn, study and listen. Talk less and embrace the kind souls who cross your path.
“Don’t worry so much, you have a tendency to do that and stress over the future. You will be blessed by a new family wherever you go. Above all, be kind, forgive and respect differences.
“Unfortunately, one thing that you have to accept is that you will never exactly fit in given your mixed background and upbringing.
“This will forever be used against you by one party or the other, so accept that you will be living outside the boxes set up by the communities you encounter.
“Don’t lose sight of your inner dream of living on an animal sanctuary farm.
“As for that handsome blond who will ask you out for a cream cheese bagel, say yes. Whatever happens, just enjoy and be kind to yourself and others. Bless you and see you again soon.”
But what would you write to a younger you in a letter?
rghazal@thenational.ae
On Twitter:@Arabianmau
