There is nothing better than walking along the riverbank, hearing the loud roar of the river almost entirely drown out the sound of birds chirping. There is an overwhelming sense of connection and completion. The beauty in everything that is imperfect is glaringly obvious, such as the obtuse mangled trees strewn about with little order. Lessons learned from these innocent walks through nature are always going to be valuable; proving the simplest of experiences can have a life changing effect on life.
Considering this lesson, it is easy to see that there are many more things more enjoyable than walking along the riverbank. You will never forget sitting with someone you care about in grassland, where small trees stick out like a sore thumb, eating cheese curds and Pringles while talking about the present state of politics. Being able to share the lessons and experiences from those riverbank walks, in and of itself is invaluable. Finding someone who is willing to share these experiences is priceless. If there is one thing MasterCard does right, it is the lessons their advertisements teach us about the values of experience. Yes, objects get us to where we are, but what is priceless is the experience.
Dear Future Self,
Do not forget these lessons. Do no forget the joy a simple experience can bring into your life. Nothing is as fulfilling nor as rewarding as experiences, especially those shared with others. You may want to be self-sufficient and not bother others with your problems. However, remember these lessons and the value they bring to your long-term happiness.
You need not worry, as long as the grips of the materialism that have been hammered into your head by your parents and society do not fully grasp you. The material world is temporary; buildings are constantly built while constantly being abandoned. The sleek and sexy glass touchscreen on your iPhone will break months after you purchase that seven-hundred dollars’ worth of silicon, glass and aluminum. That new top of the line sports car of yours will eventually end up crushed in an auto-salvage yard, as well as those luxury leather seats you have always dreamed of sitting your Gluteus Maximus on.
Focus on your experiences, making your life worthwhile. Your Friend,
-Past Self
P.S. I’m sorry for spilling Grape Kool-Aid on your carpet, I tried to get that stain out to no avail.
