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 Gentlemen's issue, we asked two successful local men in business to share wisdom with their younger selves.
Dear Younger Me,
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.
Love,
Older Me
Scott Snellings
Snellings Law PLLC
Dear Younger Me,
Take a deep breath, kid. You’ve got a wild, meaningful, and purpose-driven road ahead—and I promise you, it’s all going to be worth it.
Right now, you might not fully understand the weight of leadership or the impact of service. But that fire inside you? That pull toward something greater than yourself? Don’t ignore it. One day, it will guide you through firehouses, city hall, and community halls where your voice will shape the future of the place you call home.
At Texas A&M, you’ll learn about grit, discipline, and the importance of leading from the front. But it’s the lessons outside the football field that will shape the man you become. Remember to listen more than you speak, and when you do speak, let it come from a place of honesty, humility, and heart.
You’ll wear many hats: firefighter, husband, father, mayor, friend. Each role will stretch you, challenge you, and change you for the better. You'll be trusted with the hopes of a community, and you’ll learn that legacy isn’t built in the spotlight—it’s built in service, in small moments, in the quiet choices to do what’s right, not what’s easy.
You won’t always get it perfect. That’s okay. Stay grounded in your values and rooted in your faith. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, and never forget the power of showing up for your neighbors.
There will come a day when people look to you not just for decisions, but for vision. You’ll help shape what North Texas becomes for generations. Never take that responsibility lightly.
Keep showing up. Keep serving. Keep believing that small-town roots can grow big dreams.
With pride,
Future Sean
Sean Terry
Vice President
Centurion American Development Group