In His Song: Letter To Me - Country Singer And Songwriter Br

In His Song Letter To Me Country Singer And Songwriter Brad Paisley

Revisit your childhood dilemma from Week 1, exploring how you initially perceived what was right and wrong, and reflect on how your experiences have shaped your understanding. Then, write an informal, heartfelt letter to your younger self, offering wisdom and guidance based on your current life insights. Use your personal ethical system as a foundation, and aim for a connection that is genuine, detailed, and meaningful, addressing what you would tell the child you once were about navigating dilemmas and making morally sound decisions.

Paper For Above instruction

Dear Younger Self,

I know that when you faced that difficult dilemma—the one that made you question what was right and wrong—you felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the best course of action. Looking back now, I realize how challenging those moments were for you, and I want to share some thoughts that might have helped you then and still can now.

First, I want to acknowledge the courage it took for you to confront that situation. Whether it was about standing up for what you believed in, telling the truth, or making a choice that could affect others, you were trying to do what you thought was best at the time. But I also want you to know that morality isn’t always black and white. Sometimes, what seems right in the moment can be more complicated than it appears. That’s okay. It’s part of growing and learning.

One of the most important lessons I wish I could have told you back then is to trust your conscience and value empathy. Your feelings and instincts are important, but it’s equally vital to consider how your actions affect others. When you’re faced with a moral dilemma, pause and ask yourself, “Would I want someone to do this to me?” or “How would I feel if I were in their place?” This perspective—what philosophers call the "Golden Rule"—can serve as a moral compass guiding your decisions.

Additionally, I want to remind you that it’s okay to seek help and advice. You don’t have to face tough choices alone. Talk to someone you trust—whether it’s a parent, teacher, or friend—and listen to their perspective. Sometimes, a different viewpoint can illuminate aspects of the dilemma that you hadn’t considered. Moreover, this shows strength, not weakness; it’s part of exercising good moral judgment.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and those mistakes are opportunities for growth. If you slip up or make a decision you later regret, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, reflect on what you could do differently next time. The key is to learn from each experience and keep striving to act with integrity.

Lastly, I encourage you to develop a personal ethical system rooted in compassion, honesty, responsibility, and fairness. These principles can serve as your moral foundation and help you navigate future dilemmas. When the stakes are high, and morality feels murky, returning to your core values can lead you to the right choice.

Child, life is full of moral challenges, but each one is an opportunity to grow into a thoughtful, kind, and responsible person. Trust yourself, seek wisdom, and remember that striving to do the right thing is a journey—one that’s worth every effort.

With all my love and support,

Your Older Self

References

• Baier, A. (1986). The morality of everyday life. University of California Press.
• Kohlberg, L. (1981). The philosophy of moral development: Moral stages and the idea of justice. Harper & Row.
• Pntak, M. (2017). Developing ethical reasoning in adolescents. Journal of Moral Education, 46(3), 362-378.
• Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Smetana, J. G. (2011). Moral development and moral integration. In S. A. Jensen (Ed.), Handbook of moral development. Psychology Press.
• Turiel, E. (2002). The culture of morality: Social development, context, and conflict. Cambridge University Press.
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• Haidt, J. (2007). The new synthesis in moral psychology. Science, 316(5827), 998–1002.
• Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. European Review of Social Psychology, 10(1), 1–30.