A letter from a 35 year old to himself at 65

I don't care if you don't have much money. I don't care that your friends have a higher net worth than you. I don't care that your friends have awards or scholarships named after them. I don't care that your friends have experienced more "success" than you have.

I will enjoy the pleasures of the present, not slave away in furtherance of future fairy tales.

I will let go of the nozzle trigger once my tank is full. I will not obsess over nailing .00. I will get back in my truck and hit the open road. You will not see an assortment of red gas canisters in the back. That will only slow me down and add risk to my journey. I'll visit pit stops when I need to. They can be beautiful and refreshing. I will use my capital now. I will see the world today. I will feel the feelings today. I will spend time with my family and my children today, for I don't know how long the privilege will last. Soon, my children will have their own lives to pursue and my place will be fleeting.

Some of your more successful friends may have passed on. Some of them might be sick. They will trade every last ounce of their success for just one more day.

Your children and grandchildren don't need your capital. They won't love you any more or any less. Try to teach them what's most important in this life and they'll build a great one for themselves. Don't be possessive of the paths of your descendants.

I'm focusing on my health - mental and physical. I'd rather be fit enough to do 50 push-ups at your age than have $50 million in the bank. I'd rather have a clear mind and a gracious perspective.

There is no feeling I can't feel, no experience I can't enjoy that a wealthier man can. The returns on capital diminish quickly when applied to life itself.

If you're reading this, then I have at least 30 more years.

What a blessing for the both of us.

See you soon, but not too soon.

-You