It would probably be frightening for someone from the future to appear before us and provide a message about what is to come and then disappear. However, what if that message was a warning that we should change our course or suffer dire consequences?
Would we listen? Would we change our minds? On the other hand, would we dismiss it as nothing more than a delusion and continue on the same path?
What if people had an opportunity to go back in time to give their younger selves some sound advice—just before making a huge mistake?
Asked On the Line asked 14 mainliners, “If you could go back in time—for less than a minute—to when you are just about to decide to make a horrible mistake, what would you say to your younger self? Remember, you only have less than a minute.”
Some of the men used kind words and reasoning, while others were aggressive and direct.
Valeray Richardson would say to his younger self, “The crime you think carries a maximum term of six years is going to be a life sentence for you. Think of the pain you will cause toward your loved ones. Think of the time that will be taken away from them.”
Orlando Harris said, “Right before I committed the life crime that got me locked up for over three decades, I would say to a young version of myself, ‘Don’t throw away your life. Life is too short. Think about the future, family, and how this choice will affect you for the rest of your life.’”
Nelson Butler would tell his younger self, “You have so much promise and potential. Trust yourself to believe that you have it in you. It will be greater later. Just have faith and hang on.”
Tyrone Allen would go back to February 26, 2010, at around 10 a.m. He was in Fresno heading to a job interview. He had made plans to spend time with his girlfriend.
“An opportunity to commit a crime swells in my thought process. Don’t do it T-Bone! There’s so much riding on this decision! Simon says ‘Freeze’,” said Tyrone Allen.
Juan Arballo said he would go back 21 years, “I would advise myself to find a role model and to not look for guidance on the streets.”
Michael Tyler would tell his younger self, “It’s okay to ask for help! There’s nothing wrong with saying that this is too much for you to handle by yourself. Your future is based on your choices today. Think!”
Nythell Collins would also encourage his younger self. “Don’t be discouraged! Don’t feel pressured to fit in. It’s not worth it!”
Alexei Ruiz would say to his younger self, “You are worthy, a precious human being and there are many who care about you and love you.”
Dexter T. Coleman would say, “You were raised to not hurt anyone! So let them have what you don’t need.”
Marvin Arnold would try to reason with his younger self. “Take life more seriously and practice a lot more discipline.”
John Neblett would remind his younger self of his parents. “Just quit what you’re doing right now! Call your mom and dad and say, ‘I love you’.”
Richard Benjamin, Chapple Sims, and Billy Allen would be more direct with their younger selves.
“Jack___! Do you want to go to prison? No! Then stop and think about it!” said Benjamin.
“Think about it!” said Sims
Billy Allen would tell his younger self, “What are you doing, stupid? It’s not worth it!”
