Julia: Doling Out Advice To A "Reader," Nudge Nudge Wink Wink

Remember how Jackles once claimed her inbox had thousands of unread messages because she was just SO busy and that's why she never really had time to read them? And yet she always seems to instantly reply to the ones from people who e-mail her astonished about her latest public display of insanity ("I find it strange you're taking it so seriously! Lighten up! Have a great day! XO Julia") or from the sympathetic fan whose writing style is just like hers and is seeking Jackles's Oprah-esque, The Secret-y wisdom, because Jackles is so smart like and everything. Funnily enough, so many of these e-mails arrive in the middle of the night!

Like "L" here, who was just desperate for advice at 2 a.m. from a failed businesswoman, a notorious mentalcase and the laughing stock of the Internet.

Reader Email: "everything's a big question mark"

From: L
Date: May 18, 2009 2:17:39 AM EDT
To: Julia Allison
Subject: Samson

Hi Julia,

In one week, I’ll be a college graduate and unlike seemingly all my peers, and contrary to everyone’s belief about this “burden being lifted from my shoulders,” I’m not excited about it in the least. In fact, I’m dreading it. I love school, I love learning, and I love my life here. After this, everything’s a big question mark.

I’m moving back home, away from my friends and back to the same old grind. I don’t have a job back there yet and fear not being able to get one and just living an endless cycle of applying to jobs over and over again. I’m also leaving behind my first and only love of my life so far—we’re staying together, but it’s just so painful…and I’m still here!

I haven’t even left yet and I’m an emotional wreck. Anyway, maybe you don’t really know why I’m writing this to you but maybe I don’t either. I guess it’s just nice to talk to someone honestly, who maybe doesn’t know me, but might care about my plight anyway. Plus, chances are you’re awake…Thanks for reading…

—-

From: Julia Allison
Date: May 18, 2009 2:27:25 AM EDT
To: L.
Subject: Re: Samson

You were right - I’m awake :)

And I’ve been there. Beeeeeelieve me, I’ve been there.

Here’s the deal: do not be afraid. (sound familiar?)

Everything - EVERYTHING - in life is here to teach you something. The more receptive you are to that lesson, the more life can give you the joy you seek. If you don’t listen, life will try to get your attention in a painful manner.

Instead of having nightmares about finding a job, why don’t you sit down - right now - and put on paper what your “ideal life” is.

Make a list … like this:

My ideal life is …
1.
2.
3.
4.

List twenty things. Anything! Paint a very vivid picture. Be as detailed as possible - the more specific you can be, the better. (“I’ll have an apartment with two bathrooms and a pink kitchen and windows facing the east.” “I’ll eat dinner with my boyfriend every evening.” “I’ll have a career that allows me to use my talent for public speaking.” etc)

Do it right now, okay?

Then start to believe it. DO NOT THINK ABOUT THE HOW. The how is not important. Just focus on what you want - the end. The how? Leave that to the universe.

I PROMISE YOU THIS WORKS.

Just remember - if life answered all of your question marks … what would you have left to discover?

xo
j

And yet this act of grand kindness to a complete "stranger" still couldn't cause Jackles to fall asleep. At 6:30 a.m., there was this Tweet:

"Wake up happy, chase a cloud, savor a memory, laugh out loud. Whisper a promise. Whistle a tune. Fall asleep with a smile for the moon."


She is SO. HAPPY! Life is SO awesome, people!!! All-nighters and pretending to be Oprah makes for such a FULFILLING EXISTENCE, people! Don't worry about the how!! Just about the what!!! That's what she's done, and look at what a rousing success her life is!

p.s. Thanks to a reader for the awesome Hunter S. Thompson poster.