To my 18 year old self,

I wish I could tell you that life is way more than searching for the right course to study, the right college to go to, proving your worth by always wanting to perform the best that you can. I wish I could tell you that you’ll eventually figure things out, and life isn’t always about the extreme right or wrong- and you can take risks, and you’re allowed to make mistakes.

What is my purpose in life? What should I do? Where should I go?

To my 18 year old self, as you’re questioning yourself with these major life questions, I hope that you’re not putting an immense pressure on yourself in making these decisions and be kinder to yourself. I hope that you know that you’re wise and make good decisions. I hope that you can trust yourself a little more, and that you’re brilliant regardless of where you end up at, which course or career you end up choosing.

There will be times of confusion, not knowing what to do- remember, you can overcome this. As you begin to process and think about your decisions, I want you to consider these-

  • What am I passionate about? What is one thing that I come alive whenever I talk about it? Or what breaks your heart whenever you see something happening? Be aware of that, keep that close to your heart- it’s in you for a reason.

  • What are your strengths? What are you good at? What are your skills? Everyone has unique strengths and gold hidden in them. Being aware of what you’re good at isn’t pride, but a healthy reflection of who you are.

  • Who are my role models/ wise counsels? Are there people in your life that you dream to become when you grow up? Ask them for their stories and be good at asking questions. Learn about their journey and seek for their advices.

  • What is holding you back? Is it a fear or an area that you feel insecure about or needing improvements on? I encourage you to start imagining what would life be if the fear isn’t valid and start from there.

  • What baby steps are you taking to get there? Maybe you’d like to be a music therapist and you have no clue at all on how to play a guitar- start by getting one! Expose yourself to different resources and materials, or even by talking to a local music therapist about it- it all starts from somewhere.

Insecurity doesn’t define you. Your voice is powerful.

To my 18 year old self, I hope I could tell you how proud I am for the changes and breakthrough you’ll overcome in life. Maybe you’re feeling all the uncertainties, insecurities about the future and yourself now and have no idea how the future holds for you.

You will probably won’t believe this would happen but let me give you a glimpse of the narration of what you’re believing about yourself versus what will happen in the future in 10 years time.

What you say about yourself now: I can’t speak. I don’t know how to talk. I’m not a leader material.

What will happen in 10 years: Reputable organisations will approach you to invite you to speak about the power of music and you have many opportunities to speak to large audiences.

What you say about yourself now: I can’t sing. I don’t know how to play the guitar. I’m useless.

What will happen in 10 years: You will get to help vulnerable children and their families to get through very difficult time through your presence, care, music and voice. You get to be apart of their healing journey and leave an impact in their lives.

You are made for greatness.

To my 18 year old self, I hope that you’ll know there will be a day that you’re comfortable with your own skin and knowing that you’re loved, you’re bold, and you’re a hope bringer. There are so much greatness in you that you don’t even know. You have a purpose in life and you’re made for that.

One day, you’ll look back and remember all the things that have made you wiser, bolder, stronger- and you will be thankful for all the hardships you’ve went through. Remember, you’re an overcomer.

Lots of love,

The 28 year old you who believes in you.

About Life Tunes Music Therapy:

Life Tunes Music Therapy was founded in 2020 by Ivy Tan, MT-BC (board certified- music therapist) with a mission to empower individuals in thriving in both physical and emotional well-being. Currently based in Johor Bahru, Life Tunes Music Therapy provides music therapy services online and in-person (Johor Bahru area only). With the motto of “Changing lives one tune at a time”, we believe in the power of change that comes with the healing power of music.