Dear Younger Me – Aries Washington
The Leave Your Mark Series invites current and former college athletes to address their former selves to provide advice, comfort, or anything else they feel may be important for up-and-coming generations to consider when determining their college athletic goals.
To read the entire Leave Your Mark Series, head over to www.athletestoathletes.com
Dear Air,
I can’t even lie. Writing this has brought out the perfectionism we’ve always had.
The truth is – I know you’d be impressed with me anyhow.
Can you believe that we are 26 now? If there is anyone I’m proud of, it’s you.
I’m proud of your grit, leadership, integrity, diligence, motivation, passion, resiliency, authenticity, courage, and focus. All of those qualities allowed you to obtain your goal of being a Division 1 Collegiate Basketball Player! We got to play all over the West Coast babyyyy!
Shoutout to the Western Athletic Conference.
Man, you got to see the world. I know the pending question is “Are we playing pro overseas now?” The answer is no – although, we had the opportunity, a decision was made to explore another side of you.
These are all the things, I know you’d love to hear from me – to set you up for success in the game and in life.
1. You deserve it: Remember that you deserve good things. You reap what you sew. AND you are GOOD at sewing! Don’t be afraid of the work!
2. Trust your instincts: self-trust is built on decisions that you make that line up with who you want to be, how you want to act, and knowing your skills. Don’t let anybody make you doubt yourself.
3. Don’t let anybody tell you who you are: ain’t nobody know you but you! It’s easy to stay true to you, and harder to fake being someone else. People don’t determine your worth. Coaches don’t either. You value you!
4. Stand up for yourself. Don’t let anybody change you as a player or a person. You deserve respect.
5. Remember to be proud of yourself: if you accomplish anything, DON’T FORGET to celebrate yourself. Don’t be afraid to be seen! It’s not cocky, it’s confidence and appreciation!
6. Be yourself – Shame is horrible. You are enough.
7. Explore yourself: you’re not “Just an Athlete” – remember to explore other aspects of your identity. It does not mean you are betraying yourself, but adding to yourself!
8. Beginners mind: any new skill – view it as a beginner. You love learning. You don’t have to be perfect!
9. Treat your mental health as your physical health: don’t ignore your trauma, situations that are hard, or questions you have about yourself. Speak up about your depression, anxiety, everything. It saves your life!
10. Balance: remember to enjoy having fun with friends, teammates, and experiences on top of being an athlete!
11. You are enough: it’s okay to have standards for yourself, but through the ups and downs of performance – your value does not change! Even if coaches make you feel that it has changed!
Air, being an elite athlete will never leave you. It’s A1 Day 1.
I thank you, because by writing this letter – I feel like I didn’t lose you. Don’t stop doing good kid!
Your best friend,
Aries Washington
