A Single Letter to My Yesteryears

sherlynn
3 min readFeb 3, 2024

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How beautiful there is to life in just ‘enough.’

Only Yesterday (1991)

I used to believe life needed to be this vibrant mix of colours. But lately, it feels like too much. Crowds, people — it’s a bit overwhelming. I’ve come to realize that my little world, simple as it is, feels just right. I don’t need all that noise.

2012, was the year that left an everlasting imprint on how I perceived the world — a transformative period that touched not only my vision but the very essence of who I was. Aged nine, I encountered the reality of needing glasses for the first time. It became my sole companion until now.

It’s kind of funny how things have shifted. I used to expect life to be this burst of colors, but now, it’s like everything’s clearer in black and white. It’s simpler, and more straightforward. Maybe I’ve come to appreciate the straightforwardness of it all, finding a certain clarity that I didn’t expect. Life might not be as flashy, but there’s something about seeing things in this clear contrast that feels just right.

In clear outlines, no distractions.

I fell in love with life. I really did. My age is only 21, yet..

Just want to capture this feeling in my own words: a simple, quieter life. At 21, it’s become clear that I crave this slow-paced, serene existence. Today was all about quiet moments, minding my own business, and finding peace in the simple joys. Spent the day lost in cozy Switch games, followed by a soothing session on YouTube. There’s a certain magic in this unassuming routine, a diary entry of a day that felt just right in its quiet, reflective simplicity.

Feeling a bit uneasy about the idea of diving into a crowd, especially at parties where I’m not exactly thrilled to be. It’s just not my scene. I’ve realized that it’s me, my thoughts, and my books that I prefer. I deeply value connections, and the people I’ve chosen to connect with hold a special place in my heart. But, truth be told, most times, the social whirlwind can be overwhelming. I find solace in expressing my love, observing, and caring from a distance. There’s a comfort in the quiet and a beauty in appreciating the connections without necessarily being in the midst of it all.

So, dear my yesteryears, thank you for all the colours you’ve shown me growing up.

I’ve had a few favourites, but I like this one better. Black, white, and all the shades of gray.

But, as I look around, it feels like this — just where I am — is exactly right. It’s more than enough. Right now, in this moment, I’m content. And that’s something special.

I’ve learned a lot. A pack, even. Just 21 lessons from the past 21 years of my lifetime and I’m now ready to begin all anew.

Life may be a series of undulating lines, but I believe it might lead us somewhere. It led me to now; another layer of becoming an adult. I’m just an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams (this line became my main inspiration for a project).

And for now, I’d just like an ordinary life.

Not much to think about,

and.. thank you, for all the yesteryears.

Let this moment linger in the corridors of memory, a cherished note of a song unfinished, resonating with the promise of even more extraordinary dreams awaiting their turn.

Dear, yesteryear. How beautiful there is to life if just enough is enough.

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sherlynn
sherlynn

Written by sherlynn

a learner's place for her deranged thoughts. Instagram and twitter: @sherlynnyu_

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