Back when I knew it all

The first concert I ever went to was with my Mum. We went to see our favourite band Savage Garden at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. It was amazing and probably my favourite concert I’ve ever been to. The lead singer of the band is Darren Hayes and he penned a beautiful letter to his 15 year old self. I’m also inspired when I read the letter and it reminds me to not take things for granted, and to not dwell on the little things.

If I could tell my childhood self 5 things about the future they would be:

1. The HSC exam at the end of school doesn’t and won’t define you. You’ll become a successful teacher and love your job. The HSC mark didn’t get you there, you won a scholarship where YOU got the chance to shine, not your essays
2. Don’t take things so personally – those without tough skins can easily fall apart. Besides, constructive criticism makes you a stronger person
3. It doesn’t matter about being popular – when you finish school the ‘popular’ group fade into the sea of new people you meet at university. No-one bothers to ask if you were popular or not!
4. Don’t get caught up with having a high-school boyfriend – enjoy the time with your friends!
5. Thank your teachers – they do a darn good job!

Lis x

Have a read below at Darren’s letter:

DEAR Darren,

I know this is going to sound insane, crazy even – but I’m writing this to you from the future. Of course, I can’t tell you what really happens. But I know you are in a lot of pain. You hide it from your friends and from your family, but I know you’re having a rough time. I know, for example, that the first two years of high school were hell for you. In May 1987 the bullying should be just about winding down.

If it makes you feel any better, that group of boys who called you ‘faggot’ and ‘gay boy’ – the ones who beat you up and harassed you so much you sometimes wanted to die? Well they end up getting the futures they deserve. What I want you to know is, the thing that made you a target is the thing that makes you beautiful. There will be times in your life where you will try to dull down your magic because it draws too much attention. But please, don’t do that. Please remember to shine because one day people are going to pay a lot of money to see you light up.

Don’t get too hung up on whether you like boys or girls. I know right now you’re confused because you have a crush on a boy in your maths 1 class and you had a crush on a girl in your French class. Stop thinking you have AIDS. You haven’t even kissed a boy … you can’t catch it from watching Bruce Willis movies.

Take that position in the girl’s choir. Your voice will stand out and Mrs. Landsdowne is going to realise you have a gift for singing. Imagine you’re Luke Skywalker. Being true to yourself is really no different to using the force. Remember that money changes everything. … the people who love you, won’t expect you to pay for your own birthday dinner. This will make sense in the 90s.

This will trip you out but in the future you live in London. Yes I know this is insane. You’re thinking ‘But I’m obsessed with America!’ Don’t worry, this won’t change, you will be there for seven of the best years of your life.

Today, in the future, you get a train to Paris to spend it with the love of your life who also happens to be the person you are married to. You’ve got a keeper. More than a keeper. You end up with someone who makes you laugh every single day of your life.

Ok, I’ve tried not to spoil too many secrets – but something pretty amazing is about to happen. You’re about to go to a Michael Jackson concert. November 25, 1987, am I right? Well just to prove to you I know what I’m talking about – the show is supposed to be in a football stadium but soon due to a ridiculous rumour about him performing behind a bubble, ticket sales are going to be so bad that several concerts in Australia will be cancelled and yours will be moved to two nights at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Through a twist of fate, your cheap field ticket will be randomly exchanged for a seat 4 rows from the stage and you’ll witness a performance so spectacular it will inspire you to do what you do for a living in the future. Hint: it’s not teaching.

Never give up!

I love you,

Darren Stanley Hayes!

London, May 7, 2012

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