Letter to Myself – Cama McNamara

Dear Cama,

Remember, when you were 16, and you and Gary Fee (who was in college) had a “very adult” philosophical discussion about the lessons gleaned from reading Alice In Wonderland? At the time, you were fascinated with the conversation a confused, wandering Alice had with the Cheshire Cat:

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here?” she asked him.

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” was the Cat’s answer, to which Alice replied, “I don’t care where.”

“Then it doesn’t matter which you way you walk,” said the Cat.

“— so long as I get somewhere,” added Alice as an explanation.

“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough!”

Don’t forget their conversation. It will serve you well as you journey through your own life.

Right now, your dream is to become a dancer. In the not-too-distant future you’ll find out that you don’t have the body to be a ballet dancer, nor do you have the confidence it takes to compete in the world of professional dance. Add to that a love life in shambles, and your life is going to be one big mess.

You, my dear, are going to have to re-think your future.

But, don’t be so depressed. Sometimes life’s greatest disappointments turn out to be its greatest opportunities in disguise.

Sometimes you’ll know exactly which path to take; others, you’ll just need to put one foot in front of the other and let the path take you. Regardless, it’s up to you to recognize opportunities along the way that “if you only walk long enough” will get you somewhere.

I’d like to add to the Cat’s advice: Believe in yourself, have confidence in your abilities, use your head, listen to your gut, and open your heart to love. Alice found Wonderland; you can, too.

Love,

Cama

Cama is the former founder of Charlotte Parent magazine.