Dear me

On other blogs, and in a book that recently came out, I've seen people on their birthday write letters to an earlier version of themselves. So on this, the day marking the end of my 35th year, I thought I would do that as well. It was much harder than I thought it would be...

Dear 15-year-old Me,


You're fine, life is fine, 20 years from now. Your hair needs some serious taming, and I probably wouldn't get into that relationship you're about to embark on next year, but even that serves some purpose in your life down the road. Enjoy your high school years and hold your friendships close. These people are the people who help shape and form you, and you'll too easily let them go and then struggle to find them again many years later. Keep working hard, it's worth it! Every time you feel you can't play any more volleyball or basketball, push yourself further. You will realize you've learned so much more than sports by doing that. And love yourself. If only you knew twenty years from now what your body would look like, you would adore your body now. Be okay with it!


Love,
35-year-old Me

Dear 25-year-old Me,


You're fine, life is fine, 10 years from now. You're about to embark on THE singular most challenging thing in your entire life: marriage! Take it one day at a time, and pretty soon you'll be hitting double digit anniversary numbers and you'll realize that yes, it is all worth it. On top of that, you'll have the first of FOUR children (and yes, you really will be that old. I can't believe it either). Those children will become your life in a way that you can't even imagine. But first? Slow down a little bit, enjoy your time. Work hard, put in your time, but also slow down just a little bit to enjoy some of it, some of your own activities. Before you realize it you'll be in a whirlwind of activities that aren't your own and you'll wish for some of that time back. And love yourself. If only you knew ten years from now what your body would look like, you would adore your body now. Be okay with it!


Love,
35-year-old Me

Dear 35-year-old-me (what I hope my 45- or 55-year old Me will tell Me),


You're fine, life is fine, 10, 20 years from now. You did it! Your kids are all grown up and successful You weren't always the most patient, but you gave them the tools they needed to be kind, loving and successful adults. You will once again enjoy the travel that you loved when you were younger, and through that travel, your marriage is as strong as it has ever been. Work has always taken care of itself, with just the right opportunity, the right hours, the right fit for you coming along exactly when you needed it. And love yourself. Your body is strong and you will prove it by running a marathon along the way. You'll never have the perfect body shape or size, but it's perfect for you. Be okay with it!


Love,
The Future Me