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LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: DIANNE BONDY

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: DIANNE BONDY

by | Oct 27, 2025 | ARTICLES, FRONT PAGE POSTS, Profiles

Letter to my younger self: Dianne Bondy

PROFILES

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked these amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared. Dianne Bondy shares her letter here.

Dearest Dianne,

It’s me, your older self. I LOVE YOU. I want to tell you something important. If everything seems overwhelming, I assure you that childhood is just a phase, a small part of your entire existence. I know it’s tough; you might feel small, awkward, and unseen. But your uniqueness is what makes you special. School is temporary, and it’s okay to feel this way. It’s just a tiny part of your journey.

I know no one looks like you at school or in your friend circle, and it makes you feel ugly. But you are not ugly; you are beautiful. Societal beauty standards are ugly. Authenticity is what makes people beautiful.

People will make fun of and underestimate you based on their insecurity. Kids are cruel. I know school is hard. You will learn later in life your grades don’t reflect your intelligence. You are not stupid. You learn differently. You have a learning limitation that is not yet diagnosed or known. You will overcome it. You will learn to manage it. You will teach yourself. The teacher in 12th grade who told you that you were illiterate will eat those words when you write two best-selling books. Yes, you will become a writer and published author. Yes, you, the one with the bad grades. School is a limiting force for you. You need to get through it.

Ignore the bullies. With all its challenges, high school is just a temporary phase in your life. It is meant to teach you important lessons. One of the most important is to choose your friends carefully, observe how people treat you, and keep your friend circle small and close. Not everyone is for you, and that’s okay as long as you know who you are and what you believe.

Stay true to you. I want you to celebrate your fierce independence, outspoken will, and dedication to justice. These qualities will serve you well in the future. Your independence will help you make bold decisions, being outspoken will give you a voice in important matters, and your dedication to justice will guide you in making fair choices. It feels inconvenient for people around you who want to keep you small. It is because of their insecurity and small ideas of how young women and girls should behave.

One of your most significant challenges will be believing in yourself. Your father will both feed and thrive on your insecurities, not out of malice, but from his unhealed wounds. Your strength threatens him, yet you will be the one to break this cycle of generational pain. You will be the one to chart a new path forward. Stay strong and trust your instincts — you’re exactly where you need to be. Trust the little voice in your head. It’s your higher self moving forward. Ignore the voices that drag you down.

You are brave, strong, and beautiful. You don’t look like everyone else, which makes your beauty unique. Stay true to your dreams, and don’t let anyone shake your confidence. You are brilliant, and one day, the world will know this. You will survive this and flourish.

Believe in the future that awaits you, Dianne. You will be a changemaker, an innovator, a disruptor, a culture shifter. You will build a beautiful family and lead a good life. All this is possible if you trust the process. The challenges you face now will only make you stronger. Your unique qualities and experiences will make you a successful and compassionate individual.

Trust in yourself and the journey you’re on.
Dianne

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: HAILEY KINTER

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: HAILEY KINTER

by | Jun 10, 2025 | ARTICLES, FRONT PAGE POSTS, Profiles

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: HAILEY KINTER

PROFILES

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked some amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared. Hailey Kinter shares her letter here.

Dear Little Hailey,

Your life is going to appear very different, yet feel just as ordinary as anyone else’s.

Life is hard.

Your childhood will suddenly be taken from you. There will be many terrifying 911 calls, ambulance rides, and traumatic resuscitations. You’re going to survive this to see your twenties, but you won’t be “okay” for a long time.

Doctors won’t take you seriously until you require CPR at just 18 years old. You won’t get diagnosed for several more years, and there’s no cure yet. You will get very familiar with suffering. You will have countless heart, vascular, GI, and kidney surgeries. You will experience physical pain so severe you will beg for your life to end. You’ll fight hard but remain sick. Sometimes you will lose hope, and feel helpless. You will feel totally alone. You’ll spend numerous birthdays and holidays in the hospital. Doctors, nurses, and sometimes even people you love will say hurtful things out of frustration, fear, and denial. Friends and family will get desensitized to your suffering and fragility. Only people who are brave enough to love someone who is facing death so often will stick around. You will forever grieve.

You will be made to feel not disabled enough, while at the same time too disabled. You will never be enough for other people. You do too much while you don’t do enough. You will make many mistakes. Because you’re human and you’re not special.

Acceptance isn’t giving up, it is waking up. You are always enough, you’re perfectly imperfect.

Even though sometimes you’ll feel alone, you never truly are. You are loved and appreciated so much more than you know. The unlimited love you shower others with is returned to you every day. You just have to remember to open your eyes. Your courage to stay vulnerable and open is rewarded with others around you feeling safe to do the same. Your kindness creates a ripple effect that spreads in ways you do not see.

The most important person in your life is you. Prioritize how you treat yourself, how you talk to yourself, and how you love yourself over any other relationship. Your opinion of yourself, your validation, your acceptance, is the most important.

What do you want? What do you think?

When life gets you down, don’t fret; downhills are much easier than uphills when you’re in a wheelchair. The comforting thing about rock bottom is that it’s only up from there. After rock bottom, your sensitivity for joy and gratitude are heightened.

Most people are not awake to the small ordinary moments, they lack appreciation. They don’t look for the beauty amongst the pain.

Being human means suffering. Feeling alone, not having others validate our experiences, looking outside of ourselves for acceptance and love…everyone experiences that.

You’re still going to be educated.

You’re still going to be successful.

You’ll save lives and make a difference as a paramedic. Then your disability will change, and you’ll have to adapt the ways you impact others. Don’t underestimate the power you have in sharing your story. Your resilience will help and inspire people to keep going when they’re in the dark themselves. When you light your path, you light the way for others, too.

You’re going to fall in love. When you are least expecting it, you will fall in love with a lifeguard who you’ll grow and laugh with for eight years. Then you’ll grow apart and fall out of love. Your heart will break and heal many times. You’ll learn to fall in love with yourself, and your life. You’ll fall in love again, in many ways, like with your zebra friends, yoga, and parasurfing.

In the end, none of us get out of this alive, so celebrate each day you wake up. Rock your scars and wrinkles, you’re a survivor! When life gets tough, lean on people, we weren’t meant to suffer alone.

Keep your head up, and your heart open. Strive to be present, but not perfect.

We made it to 29,

Hailey Kinter

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: DJ TAZ RASHID

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: DJ TAZ RASHID

by | May 19, 2025 | Art & Music, ARTICLES

Letter to my younger self: DJ TAZ RASHID

ART & MUSIC

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked some amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared. DJ Taz Rashid shares his letter here. Special thanks to DJ taz for also creating a special retro playlist just for his younger self you can access here.

 

Dear Taz,

Hey buddy, it’s your future self here, writing to you from 2025. I’m sure that must feel impossibly far in the distance as you prepare to enter high school there in 1996…I’m writing to you as an “older” man in my early 40s, to share with you some of the things I wish I had known when I was
your age.

First off, I want you to know that you’re doing great. The things you’re about to dive into and explore in high school and college will, believe it or not, end up shaping you in ways you can’t even imagine right now. As it all unfolds, try to pay attention to how you connect with people. The friends, teachers, and mentors you meet will open doors, challenge you, and inspire you. Listen to and learn from them, but stay true to yourself and always keep your word, even when it’s tough. Those qualities will become a compass that guides you through some of life’s most important moments.

I know it can feel like you must have it all figured out to show up as an adult in this world, but if there’s one thing I can stress: You don’t. Trust me on this. There’s power in exploration, in trying new things, in failing, and in letting curiosity lead the way. It can feel overwhelming to not know what’s coming next, but you’ll find that some of the most incredible opportunities come from stepping into the unknown. I’m not going to give you any specifics about your/our future, because honestly, the adventure is in the discovery. Just remember: it’s okay not to know exactly where you’re headed. Trust the process and let your interests guide you, whether that’s choosing the right university, deciding on a major, or pursuing a new career path. Never be afraid to change course! The pieces will come together with time.

Here is a gem for you (you’ll learn this slang in time): Conventional success is NOT the goal. Life’s most sacred secret is that you always have control over your attitude, no matter the situation. Practice an attitude of gratitude, even on days that feel difficult. Take a moment to give thanks for the good things, celebrate the small wins, and honor the people who show up for you. Moments of challenge, even the ones that break your heart, will teach you resilience. Keep creating, too — whether it’s music, art, or any other form of self-expression. Lean into the things you truly want, and don’t get caught up in who others think you should be. Living life authentically will bring more fulfillment than anything you can gain by following someone else’s expectations or ideas of success.

Speaking of music — keep playing! Right now, music is a fun outlet, but one day it’s going to mean so much more. You’ll come to see that music isn’t just about beats or melodies; it’s about connection. Music has the power to bring people together, to heal, to help others find their own rhythm in life. You’ve been playing since fifth grade, so don’t stop now. Keep that energy alive and know that this part of your journey holds something truly transformative for both you and the people around you.

And hey, here’s a little advice that you may be happy to hear. Yes, our parents are strict when it comes to dating and girls, but don’t let that lead you to hold back. Say “yes” to the amazing girls who approach you, to the dances, and to the small moments that make high school special. It’s okay to feel shy but know that I remember you as far more handsome, charismatic, funny, and charming than I felt I was. Looking back, I wish I’d taken more social chances, even when they scared me. High school only happens once, so be open to it and enjoy it fully.

Above all, enjoy life and learn to give more along the way. Giving, whether it’s through kindness, music, or just being there for others, will bring a richness to your life that’s beyond anything you can imagine. There is so much beauty in store for you.

With love,
Taz

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: JIVANA HEYMAN

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: JIVANA HEYMAN

by | May 19, 2025 | ARTICLES, FRONT PAGE POSTS, Profiles

Letter to my younger self: Jivana Heyman

photo: SaritRodgers

PROFILES

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked some amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared. Jivana Heyman shares his letter here.

Dear Jivana,

Sending you love and support for your journey ahead. I know there will be challenging times, but you’ll find your way through. You have more strength than you realize. In fact, your biggest weakness is your self-doubt. The sooner you let it go, the more you’ll enjoy life, and the more service you’ll be able to offer the world. Embrace your queerness as quickly as you can, and as fully as possible. Being queer is a gift, not a curse.

Your youthful idealism is a strength, not a weakness. Keep on imagining a world full of peace and justice, even if they constantly tell you that you’re naive. In the end, the love and care you have for other people and for nature is all that really matters. Love your friends, family, and pets even more, but don’t become too attached at the same time. Nothing is permanent, and many of them will leave you, and many will die. 

Keep practicing yoga and meditation with your full heart, and start teaching as soon as you can. Don’t get stuck in imposter syndrome and wait so long to share the practice you love with your community. It’s a great way to deepen your practice and be of service simultaneously. (In fact, we’re going on 30 years of teaching in 2025!) Teaching yoga is the biggest gift you’ll receive. Appreciate it for what it is, and recognize the awesome power and responsibility that it brings. 

Remember that ethics are the heart of spirituality. They’ll protect you and keep you on the right track. In fact, the yamas, yoga’s ethical principles, are the protection that you need to navigate the challenges that life will continue to throw at you. They are like a shield to help keep you safe when things feel dangerous.

That reminds me–work on your boundaries! They are the key to everything. Love everyone, but don’t fall in love with everyone. Be open and welcoming, but don’t let people trample all over you. In fact, that’s my main message. Find a way to believe in yourself that is stable and grounded. I don’t mean that you should become egotistical; instead, feel your strength in your mind and body, and know that it’s a reflection of your spirit, which is shared with all beings. Allow your strength to be a vehicle for connection with others, rather than separation. 

In general, people are good, but that doesn’t mean you have to listen to them. Instead, listen to that small voice in your heart and don’t ever stop listening. Remember, meditation is the language of that voice, so the more you practice, the easier it will be to understand the messages that are coming from deep within you. Like sonar echoing in the deepest ocean, meditation will help you navigate the dark, treacherous waters of the world. 

You’ve got this!

Love,

Jivana

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: EDDIE STERN

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF: EDDIE STERN

by | Apr 23, 2025 | ARTICLES, FRONT PAGE POSTS, Profiles

Letter to my younger self: Eddie Stern

PROFILES

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would it say? We asked some amazing people in our community to write letters, and were blown away by the love, compassion and humor they shared in our Celebrating Age issue.

Dear Eddie,

I have only a few suggestions for you. Looking back on your life, well, ours, I guess, you’ve done some cool things, and had a few missteps. Since you are 18 and just getting started, watch out for these things:

1. Listen to your conscience and gut a little more than
I did. If something doesn’t feel right, turn the other way. I didn’t listen as well as I should have and ended up in situations that caused a lot of pain for myself and others. Sometimes things can’t be avoided, but I wonder where we would have ended up if we had listened more closely to my intuition in the moment.

2. Don’t start teaching yoga right away, like I did.
It’s true, you were asked to teach, but you also could have said no. Try saying no. Practice for a good 10 years or so, learn a little more, struggle a little more, and then after you’ve put in the inner work, start teaching. It will help with the troubles that arose in point 1.

3. Learn a second language right away,
Preferably an Indian language, since you are about to spend a lot of time in India. Don’t delay, and don’t lapse. Sanskrit doesn’t count, since we kept that up.

4. Not going to college was a great idea.
You’ll get a degree after 54, and there isn’t really anything between 18 and 54 that is going to demand that you need to have gone to college. All good.

5. Prioritize friends and family more than I did.
I got too caught up in work, and still am, to be honest. Don’t wait ‘til you’re almost 60 to do that. It’s time wasted. If you are diligent about a work schedule, work doesn’t ever need to become all-consuming.

6. Keep a journal.
You did for a while, then stopped. They are fun to look back on.

7. You’ve been great about physical health.
All good on food and exercise. But you ignore your emotions a little too much—get a therapist and figure some stuff out early on. We’ll be better for it when we get to my age.

8. If it hasn’t happened already, you’re going to have an apartment on Cornelia Street.
One night you’ll be lying in bed with your girlfriend, and she’s going to be challenging you on your looks—you had just dyed your hair black and green—and she said, “There’s no way you’re going to be dressing like this and doing your hair like this when you are 50.” And you are going to say, “Probably not, but that doesn’t matter. When I am 50, I am going to be the same, exact person I am right now; I might dress different, have different (or no, as it were) hair, but my awareness is going to be the same, and knowing who I am is going to be exactly the same as it is now. Only my appearance is going to change, but that is not me.” Guess what? This thought, one of our early, direct perceptions of witness consciousness, was 100% accurate. We are past 50. But the awareness of observer consciousness, the awareness that things change externally, but the inner being is constant, was the end of your yoga journey before we started actually doing yoga. When we did start to practice, it was just to learn things to remind us of that direct perception.

9. You’re not going to do this, but I’m going to tell you anyway:
never stop listening to punk rock, never let music not be your muse, and always let your heart be blown wide open by beauty and pain and sorrow in all of its forms.

10. When David Bowie tells you he’d like to do yoga with you, please follow up with him.
It’s going to happen, and you totally let fear get the best of you. Don’t!

11. Last but not least, please don’t use so much hairspray.
It’s bad for the environment, and it’s most likely (along with the hair bleach) going to make you go bald. Save the environment, save your hair. It’s not a vanity thing—you are actually going to be a lot warmer in the winter and conserve heat.

Love you, homie,

Eddie

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