Liam Payne’s words are a poignant reminder to live life to the fullest.

Following the One Direction alum’s tragic death at the age of 31, a 2020 letter he wrote to his 10-year-old self has resurfaced on social media. And in it, Liam looks back on the rollercoaster of a journey his life would go on just four years later, reflecting on the highs, lows, and sweet moments in between.

As the musician, then 27,  aptly began his letter, written for a BBC appearance, “Dear 10-year-old Liam, get ready. It's about to get a little bumpy.”

He first warns his younger self to hold tight to his family and the time they spend together, as “life is about to turn surreal.”

After all, it was just four years later that he would go on to first audition for The X Factor. And while it would take a second go at the series before he would be introduced to Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson—forever changing the course of his life—that first audition was when he first met Cheryl Cole, with whom he would go on to welcome son Bear.

“When you turn 14, something magical is going to happen,” Liam wrote, before quipping, “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 of your child. I know it seems early, but just trust me, it's all going to work out however it's supposed to.”

He jokingly continued, “I suggest you watch Back to the Future. It might help.”

The “Strip That Down” singer then chronicled the meteoric rise to fame he would experience just two years later at 16, when One Direction was first created. “You are now famous, and it feels like you've peaked way too early, you cocky little bugger,” he wrote. “But you've barely even started yet. Take it down a notch, and remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.”

Because, while he might “feel like giving up,” there were important people waiting on the horizon. “You're about to meet four other guys on the same track as you,” Liam added of his future bandmates. “When you first meet them, it's going to be chaos, but just remember to enjoy yourself. Stay young at heart.”

The letter, while noting the highs of life in One Direction—Liam writing of “the most amazing time of your life”—is also honest about the lows, too. In particular, the difficulty Liam had in navigating life after the band went on hiatus in 2015.

“It will end for a while, and you will be left with nothing but the steering wheel,” he admitted. “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've met so far, your son Bear.”

And what follows is moving evidence of the love Liam bore for his son and his role as a father. “Don't doubt yourself at this dad thing,” he wrote. “Just look at all the things you've learned along the way. Surely that must mean you've got a lot to give.”

He added of the fame that will soon greet his 10-year-old self, “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. But stop with the self-doubt and you'll be fine.”

He concluded with asking his younger self to give his family a big hug on his behalf.

For more of a look back at Liam’s life, and the ups and downs fame wrought, keep reading.

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