Writing a letter to your younger self is a great exercise in reflection and self-compassion. It can be a way to offer advice, share memories, or simply express kindness. For our Men's Issue, we asked four successful locals to share wisdom with their younger selves.
Scott Snellings
Snellings Law PLLC
Dear Younger Self,
I know you’re fired up. You’ve got a vision, a plan, and enough drive to chase down every goal you set. That determination will take you far—but I need you to hear this: slow down. Be present. Life isn’t just about the wins; it’s about how you get there.
In a few years, you’ll open the doors to your own law firm. Two months later, you’ll hand over the reins and roll into an operating room for a kidney transplant. Yeah—you read that right. With two toddlers at home and a brand-new business, you’ll have to face one of the scariest moments of your life. And in that storm, you’ll learn what really matters.
You’ll learn that asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. That trust is more than a business strategy; it’s letting go when you have no other choice. That God’s peace shows up in the most unexpected ways, even when you're terrified.
You’ll see your best friend step up and give you the gift of life. You’ll see your wife show up for you in ways that redefine love. And you’ll understand—deeply—that every hug from your kids, every quiet moment with family, every day you get to live and lead is a blessing, not a guarantee.
So keep working hard. Keep building. But don’t rush. Don’t miss the beauty in the small things. This journey is the point—not just the destination.
Dr. David Jarquin
Independence Chiropractic
Dear Younger Me,
Knowing you as well as I do, saying “study more”, “work harder”, or “take more risks” would be advice that would fall on deaf ears. Instead, my advice would be to change your perspective. It has taken us far too long to appreciate what we have rather than to compare ourselves to others. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and wanting to improve yourself, but when it comes at the cost of happiness, it becomes hubris.
Believe it or not, a day will come when you feel as if all your prayers have been answered, you have a beautiful family, amazing friends, and a career that you love. Unfortunately, you’ll look back and realize that you never said “thank you” or showed gratitude to the people who helped you on your way. Look around at these moments in your life and the hardships of the journey, and appreciate not only the people who are there to love you and support you, but also give thanks to God for the blessings in your life.
When you learn to look at the world through the lens of gratitude as opposed to a lens of discontent, you are able to better appreciate the hardships and obstacles and enjoy the journey. In turn, you will study more, work harder, and take more risks because you not only enjoy and appreciate the process, but the reward becomes much greater!
Appreciation is not something you’ll learn quickly. It takes patience and discipline. It was not until I began to deepen my faith and explore my relationship with God that I learned how to truly be grateful and appreciative. With that being said, open your bible, go to church, and give thanks to your friends, your family, and God.
Love,
Future You
Chase Wade M.Ed, LPC-S
Starting Line Counseling and Consulting
Dear Younger Me,
You are impulsive and a little obnoxious—and believe it or not, that’s going to work for you sometimes. Other times, it’ll land you in trouble. Learn to slow down. Listen. God placed people in your life who will speak truth and wisdom—just don’t wait until you’re 25 to start hearing them.
You won’t make the state track meet. Some friendships will end. Breakups will happen. But you’re going to be okay—I promise. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Own your failures, admit when you’re wrong, and grow from the experience.
A second-grade teacher will tell you that you won’t graduate from high school. She’s wrong. Your parents won’t believe her—and they won’t let you believe her either. Dyslexia will be tough. You’ll have to read things twice, sometimes three times. But you’ll figure it out. You’re smart, and no one will outwork you for the things you want.
You will graduate from Texas Tech with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. You’ll earn a varsity letter at Tech in Cross Country and Track & Field. Soak up those days—the long miles, the friendships, the ups and downs. The good races and bad ones. Every single moment will shape you.
You’re lucky. You’ll find a career that you care about—one that makes you want to be better every single day. It won’t feel easy at first, but in time, you’ll find your stride. Stay true to who you are. That authenticity will be the thread that ties your whole life together.
One day, in your 30s, you’ll meet a woman who makes you want to be the best version of yourself. You’ll know it in the first ten minutes of the first date. Together, you’ll have a beautiful son—he will change your world completely. You’ll trade city life for a small town, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love you buddy,
Future Chase
P.S. The two dogs you get in your 20s— walk them as often as you can. They’ll carry you through some of your hardest and most formative years.
Marc Rylander
Chief Communications Officer
GRPR Public Affairs
Dear Younger Me,
Above all else, remember this: only two decisions are truly eternal—to Whom you surrender your life in faith and with whom you share your life on this side of heaven. Everything else is seasonal. Life changes, and you can redirect. Not every detail is final. Relax. Be flexible.
Papa was right when he used to tell us, "Do not allow yourself to become upset by people or things; they are powerless. Your reaction is their only power." Don't let critics live rent-free in your head. They don't deserve the real estate, your elevated blood pressure, or reactions you'll regret.
Being a people pleaser is challenging, but God made you that way in His image. Embrace the positive—loving people better—while releasing the negative. Don't take every critique so personally. People are imperfect, as are you. Love unconditionally and extend grace, even when it hurts.
Learn to laugh more with your family. When your children become teenagers, their lives and emotions grow complex. The joy and happy memories you invest early will earn you credit with them (and their mama) during their maturing years—when you're no longer quite as cool or funny. And by the way, while disciplining them now is painful; it’s so worth it when they are world-changers.
Finally, keep developing a real, raw relationship with the Lord. As you age, you'll face temptations to fit God into neat boxes. Don't fall into the trap. He loves you radically at 50, just as He did at 20 or 30 before you "had it all figured out." Later in life, He remains as faithful through your joy, brokenness, fear, and failures as He is now. Don’t let life or education or success keep you and the Lord from keeping it real with one another.
Oh, and don’t forget to call your Mom. The relationship is so much sweeter, even now.
With love and grace, you knucklehead,
Your Older Self