The letter Liam Payne wrote to his 10-year-old self
A letter former One Direction singer Liam Payne wrote to his 10-year-old self for BBC Radio 1 has been reshared following his death at the age of 31.
In the letter, which was written in 2020, Payne tells himself that “for a while you’ll feel like giving up” before One Direction’s success, but told himself “don’t, as you’re about to meet four other guys on the same track as you are”.
The singer died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, local police have said.
In the letter, which was reshared on Instagram by Radio 1 today, Payne said: “Get Ready, it’s about to get a little bumpy.
“Cherish every moment with your loved ones right now, as there’s only a few more family holidays to enjoy, life is about to turn surreal.
“You know that thing you love, singing, keep it up, when you turn 14, something magical is going to happen, and I’m not talking about puberty.
“Not only will you audition for one of the biggest music shows in the world, but you’ll also meet the future mother (then-X Factor judge, Cheryl Tweedy) of your child.
“I know it seems early, but just trust me, it’s all going to work out however it’s supposed to. I suggest you watch Back To The Future, it might help.
“You are now famous, and it feels like you’ve peaked way too early, you cocky little bugger, but you barely even started yet, take it down a notch, and remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“Let me tell you this isn’t even base camp, and for a while, you’ll feel like giving up, but don’t as you’re about to meet four of the guys on the same track as you.
“When you first meet them, it’s going to be chaos, but just remember to enjoy yourself, stay young at heart as that’s what this point in your life is all about.
“Forgive more and learn to listen, you’ll have the most amazing time of your life, travel the world and live a life you barely imagined.
“Then it will end for a while, and you will left with nothing but the steering wheel. It will feel scary, like you’re alone, but you are not.
“You’re about to start a total new journey with the most amazing person you met so far, your son Bear.”
He went on to tell his younger self “don’t doubt yourself with this dad thing” adding “you have a lot to give”.
Payne finished: “Be grateful and try to remember every day you’re doing something you love, that took 10 years to build.
“The first single will skyrocket and you’ll never see it coming, you’ll stop with the self doubt and you’ll be fine.
“Give mum, dad, and all the family, a big hug from me.”