Memo from the Future

January 3, 2012

Dear Self;

As I sit here in my favorite chair of my favorite room in my favorite house ever, I think back to how I was last year . . . .um how you are now. You see, time travel confuses the hell out of me. As an avid reader, I avoid time travel books because they are so STUPID! However, now that I myself am capable of time travel, it is not as bad as it once was.

This has been a big year for you. Your baby turned 10, you celebrated your 20th anniversary, and your husband has taken an early partial retirement. Remember how you thought it might be annoying to have him around more often? It's really not so bad! Without the stress of that high-pressure job, he is more enjoyable and loving life a lot more. You will love the changes you see in him. But wait, there's more!

In January you were desperately trying to get stronger. No just phsyically, but emotionally as well. You were finally grasping the concepts of forgiveness, compassion, grace, and joy. Now all of that comes naturally to you. Not only that, but you've finally decided what you want to be when you grow up. That's right! You're putting things in place to become the true you that you've always meant to be. And because Sweetie isn't working as much, you still enjoy more family time than ever! I won't ruin the suprise by telling you what it is - the adventure will be more fun for you if you figure it out yourself, anyway!

Now you've participated in a few 5K walk/runs and reached a healthy BMI. You've discovered the strength that has always been within you and used it to establish good, supportive relationships, foster those you already had, and pull away from those that were damaging. You've set good examples for your daughter and her friends, made a difference by co-leading their Kids For Peace group, and "just said no" to extra responsiblities being piled upon you. Realizing the the people whose relationships you cherish are those that deserve the most tending has been a big change for you. It took courage, but you did it. Setting healthy boundaries and being more confident about your choices has led to a happier life for you and your family.

And best of all, you're still you!  Not the scared little girl you always thought you were, but the intelligent, confident, creative, articualate and compassionate person that has always been there waiting her turn. Well this is it. Let's go for it!

Love always,
You