Thursday, December 8th, 2011 12:19:56

Letter to My 16-Year-Old Self

Last month, I wrote a column providing a midterm life update based on a question by David Brooks.

This week, I’m writing a letter to my 16-year-old self. The letter is inspired by the book, “Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self,” edited by Joseph Galliano (Atria Books, 2011).

Be assured that 16 is a shaky time for everybody. Nothing seems to fit, nothing seems easy, and life’s future is unknown. On the bright side, life seems to hold much promise and possibility. As you grow older, hang on to the idea that life is full of promise and possibility.

No, you are not normal, but neither is anyone else. Everyone has something that makes them “not normal.” Your something might be more visible (yes, your dad did run for Congress and lose twice before you were 10; he won when you were 11; two years later, your parents divorced). But everyone has a family member who is crazy, in jail, estranged, sick or any combination of those and other abnormalities. NO ONE is normal.