I got this picture from an old friend of me at 11 years old.
Tom at 11
As I looked at it, I stared into my own eyes and wonder what I was thinking at that moment. Of course I was eating cake, so I must have been happy. 🙂
Anyway, if you had asked this boy what his life would be like in 39 years, I wonder what he would have said. I know he would not have had any idea of the ups and downs he was about to encounter. He probably would just laugh if you told him he would one day weigh 278 lbs.
Tom at 278 lbs
How would that be possible? Then tell him that less than 2 years later he would weigh 180 lbs and run his first marathon and I’m sure he would call you crazy.
Running my first marathon
There have been so many good things that have happened in my life. I have wonderful kids and a Lovely Wife. I have a great job. I am thankful for everything I have and everything I can do at 50 years old.
39 years ago, I only hoped to have the life I have now. Things aren’t perfect. There are good times and bad. There are ups and downs.
But if you took that 11 year old into a time machine and forwarded him to today, I think he would be pretty excited to have seen all he would see with those 11 year old eyes.
This make me thankful.
278 to Boston 
If you could give one piece of advice to your 11 year old self, what would it be?
Good question Joey. I’d say, “Always realize that life goes in cycles. The ups don’t last forever and neither do the downs. Even the most difficult days end and a new day always begins.” That may sound a bit philosophical, but it has taken me nearly 50 years to learn that simple truth.
Thanks for the good question.
Great honest answer
By the way, any thought of what you would say to your 11 year old self?
Hmmm… Maybe, no matter how hard things get or low you feel there is always something to be happy and grateful for.
That is so true. I think gratefulness is a key to living a good life!
Me too!
This post really made me smile…thanks for sharing!
Thank you. I’m glad!!!
Great post Tom. I imagine your 11 year old self would be happy with how his future self has turned out!
Thanks Bernie. I think so too.
One thing I think our younger selves could teach us now is how to think, “Wow, this is a really good cake!” (a sure thing with one of my mom’s cakes) instead of, “How many calories is this?” in that moment. It’s a good thing you can outrun me if you’re going to start calling me old. 😉
Ha. I can’t remember the cake, but considering I’m smiling, it must be good. Thank your mom again for sending the picture!!!
What a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing the 11 year old you!
Thanks! My 11th year of life was one of my favorites of my childhood. 🙂
Inspirational, loved your post 🙂
Thank you!!! 🙂
If I told my 11 year old self that in the year 2010 I would run my first marathon and then consider myself a runner, her eyes would become as large as saucers and she would have choked on her cake! LOL! I do wish I could go back to my 15 year old self and tell her… “no matter what anybody else thinks or says, YOU are awesome! Believe me, cuz one day you are going to prove it over and over!” Great post!
I like what you said to your 15 year old self. Wouldn’t it be great to have that chance to talk to our younger selves? There is so much we learn as we get older (and start to run). Thanks!
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