[March 20, 2026] In Letters to My Granddaughter, I wrote about my childhood in the Deep South during the 1950s and 1960s. That experience was eye-opening, revealing who I was through my thoughts and actions. Ultimately, I was creating something for my granddaughter—and all my grandchildren—to help them understand what their grandfather went through as a kid. Write your own destiny today.
As a young girl herself, she’ll be able to see herself in these stories, which is important because it may motivate her to learn more about the family and that period of history. Writing these letters is partly a way to address my regrets about not knowing more about my grandparents and ancestors.
It’s better to have my childhood in story form—some way for them to learn from, or not—so they at least have the option. I didn’t have that option.
Dr. Jordan Peterson says that we can tell stories about our past—as I am doing in these “letters” —about our present lives, or about what the future might hold. He believes reflecting on our past helps us learn more about ourselves, our desires, wants, and those around us. What were our friendships like? What did we enjoy doing at school or at home? How did we feel about our teachers, pastors, sheriffs, veterans, and other adults in town? How did we handle caring for ourselves and siblings, and how did we face tragedies and temptations that inevitably arose?
Following Dr. Peterson’s advice, I started by jotting down random childhood memories, identifying gaps in those memories, and reconnecting with people I grew up with (which is a fun exercise) to help fill in the missing pieces. “Write badly,” says Dr. Peterson, because that’s the first step toward aligning our story with what actually happened long ago.
We can write about how our future might unfold, which is a noble and necessary task. Perhaps it’s better to start with stories about our past and present before tackling the unknowns of the future. Both are important. I began with the past.
I believe my “Letters to My Granddaughter” series was popular on my website because the stories were firsthand. They were the best I could write based on my memories and what others believed happened. I found them exciting in a way, definitely motivating. I could look over my own shoulder—the shoulder of a little kid—and “see” what I was seeing at that time.
People need a purpose in life. Once I retired and the kids were no longer at home, it was somewhat difficult to reorient my focus toward my wife and career. My life changed. I retired.
Using my extra time, I thought it was a good idea to write about growing up myself and observing how a child today—like my grandkids—and I were raised, noting the similarities and differences.
That motivation led to writing over a hundred letters to my granddaughter. My goal was to turn these stories into written memories for future generations. While writing these letters, I faced what I once feared and realized how much braver I’ve become over the years. I also see now how much those times have changed me, mostly for the better.
I could also see the worst in myself, and much of that appears in those stories. I have moved away from that worst and toward the best in me. This change didn’t happen because I was especially clever or because someone was guiding me. Instead, much of it was rooted in my religious upbringing and my intact family life. These factors mattered, perhaps more than I used to admit.
By writing about my past, I believe I’ve gained a better understanding of where I come from. Additionally, it’s been a positive experience, making me much happier.
Write about your destiny now.
————
Please read my books:
🙏 Prayer will help 🙏
Read the Bible to give you inspiration.
Thank you sir, for painting these ideas on personal development.
Now that is an excellent idea: “Write you own destiny.” Very positive. Very American.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
“That motivation led to writing over a hundred letters to my granddaughter. My goal was to turn these stories into written memories for future generations. While writing these letters, I faced what I once feared and realized how much braver I’ve become over the years. I also see now how much those times have changed me, mostly for the better.” – Gen. Doug Satterfield
——
This is what I look for in this leadership website. Little nuggets of how to make yourself a better, good person.
There are plenty of gems here. So many articles, so little time.
The series on letters to his granddaughter was extremely informative and harks back to my time as a child from the same decades as Gen. Satterfield
“Write your own destiny today,” is not about looking back and actually writing it, this is about creating your proper legacy.
Gen. Satterfield’s series on “letters” to his granddaughter is an eye-opener. Read these letters to that you can see how he is “seeing” himself as a child.
The ancient idea that one must know thyself in order to truly become that person who can get things done, is one of the most important insights ever. The idea is also repeatedly covered in the Bible, and rightly so, as the Bible is the most brilliant collection of moral behavior—and righteousness ever. Take your time, look to improve yourself, and do so purposefully, and then you will start to better understand your legacy.
This article is amazing and full of great ideas. It teaches you how to take control of your own life. Gen. Satterfield shares his personal stories in a way that feels real and helpful. I like how it says to write about your past to learn more about yourself. Reading it made me want to start writing my future right now. The advice is simple but powerful and easy to follow. Everyone should read this because it can make your life much better.
Bernie, I agree with ya. Bless your heart, this article “Write Your Own Destiny Today” is one of the most profound and soul-stirrin’ pieces I’ve come across in quite some time. Ge3n. Satterfield rightly reckons that by writin’ about your past like those heartfelt letters to his granddaughter and envisionin’ your future, you gain powerful self-understandin’ and the ability to truly craft your own destiny with purpose. It ain’t mere advice—it’s transformative wisdom drawn from deep Southern roots and sharp insights that left me fixin’ to pick up my pen right away. This piece brilliantly motivates you to reflect deeply and build a meaningful legacy, and I reckon everyone oughta give it a read, darlin’. 👀
Thank you, Gen. Satterfield. I hope that folks are reading and listening to you.
Yes, but I could be an astronaut but I’m 4’11” and just turned 62. Am I qualified? 👀
Sir, well said. And, you long series on “Letters to My Granddaughter” is still my favorite.,
… as we all should do. Figure it out. If you are young and cannot figure it out, then get with your parents and just talk about the possibilities. Let it grow on you. Remember, it’s not about feelings but about having something good to aim at in life. But you must work, that is the toil that we all have. But, if your goal is to grift off the government, you are really stealing from hard working folks.