Warning!

Contains explicit language

Dear 13 year-old Sean,

Hello from the year 2023. Flying cars don’t exist yet, but cell phones went through a transformation. Now, they’re called “smart-phones,” and they’re more sophisticated than Dad’s computer downstairs. My phone can read me text messages aloud and control the lighting in the house. The football player Michael Strahan has visited space – for a fucking vacation! And future you? I’m full-on adulting at 35 years old! Don’t fret, it’s more exciting than it sounds. 

We’re living a fulfilling life. And Spoiler alert: you’ve got an incredible wife and two beautiful little girls. A wild ride is ahead of you, friend. The ride will be bumpy, and there will be times it goes too fast and terrifies you. There will be times you’ll feel ready to do anything to make it stop. But – I wouldn’t change my story if I could, because it has shaped me into the man I am proud to be today.

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Most of us can probably agree that we value happiness and safety. Naturally, our brains would work hard to maximize opportunities to feel positive feelings and sustain our well-being. 

And our brains are incredibly powerful. Brains are hardwired to analyze and anticipate constantly, without us being aware of it. Although this is meant for self-preservation, the methods they use for pursuing these needs can create unwanted consequences and end up pushing happiness further and further away.

I want you to consider your answer to this hypothetical question:

What do you think would make you happier: winning the lottery or becoming a paraplegic? 

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