"Things I Would Say To Five-Year-Old Me" is inspired by several things. .

. The first is sobriety and the ability to clearly reflect on my own life and experiences.

The second is what I see as a need for relatable and palatable, real-life navigational tools for both youngsters and parents, and lastly, the Dr. Seuss classic "Oh The Places You'll Go" which was given to me by my brother as I entered into a life of sobriety.

. .

It was spawned from a seemingly simple, but entirely not simple, question once posed to me. .

. "What would you say to five-year-old you?" This question has changed my life in many ways and is, obviously, the reason I have written this book.

This book is about guidance, acceptance, reflection and forgiveness. Acceptance of the hardships this world brings and some guidance for the young ones being read to, to help navigate through it.

Then some positive reflection for the ones doing the reading. It is about understanding that our lives are not easy to navigate, nor is it easy to find forgiveness for ourselves or our parents for the mistakes we've all made along the way.

This book is meant for everyone, not just boys and men, but it is written from the perspective of a man to his younger self so you'll all have to forgive me as I am a man, and I have no idea how to write from a woman's or girl's perspective. These words and the process of putting them down on paper have helped me on my path to becoming a better man and it is my sincere wish that they help guide you, allow you to accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can, positively reflect on your own lives (even the bad stuff, as you are reading this and have gotten through it) and inspire you to find forgiveness in your lives wherever it may be needed.

Thank you for reading!SincerelyR. B.

Mosby. .