 |
| The things I could tell that new mom - the me of nearly 7 years ago |
But everything is subjective. We can only see things from our own point of view, from exactly where we are, at any given moment. Knowing that, I'm attempting a different perspective. I'm actively trying to look back at myself. That is, imagine me 10 years from now thinking back to where I am right now. Are you confused? Imagine, if everything looks better in hindsight, why not try to achieve "hindsight" every day?
Try this exercise with me: write a short note to your 20-year-old self. Name just 3 things that are/were awesome about life at that time, or that came out of that time. Do it again for you at 25, 30, 35 and onward, depending how old you are!
If you went through a rough patch during any of those periods, point out the benefits that resulted. Then, especially if you're going through something today (and aren't we all?), write yourself a note from the you who will be in 10 years.
Here's mine -
Dear Tam,
Remember in 2012 when the store was about to close? The bank account was a big, fat zero and you felt upset and worried about the future. But you didn't just sit there. You published your first book! You sold only one that first day and you were so scared, but once you got it up on Kindle you sold tens of thousands!!! Every challenge during that time led you right to where you are/I am today! Secure, free, successful! The bank account has a big, fat bunch of zeros now!! But with a much higher number in front of it! A spark of an idea with a friend led you to a hugely successful company that you run from anywhere in the world you happen to be and you're a prolific and well-published author. Your children know a life that few experience and your marriage thrives. So, here I am, ten years ahead of you, reminding you to embrace every moment. You are taken care of, so fear not. Step bravely into what you will be; what I am.
Love, Yourself
What's yours?
Here's mine:
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle. There's so many exciting things going on for you right now for you, isn't there? Remember to enjoy the journey! So many more great things are to come, AND you're in a wonderful spot right now! Enjoy each day with those beautiful kids, because I'd give anything, ten years later, to go back to those sweet days where you all were home together, and yes, I'd even take some of the chaos. Alex and Alyssa are almost grown now and Ben will be out of the house soon too. Those days that are filling your life now, were some of my favorites as I look back now. And, keep being that authentic you, sharing fully your unique brilliance. When you are in alignment with who-you-really-are, you cannot help but uplift those with whom you come into contact. And lastly, don't forget how lucky you are to have Paul, he really is a great guy. Oh, and BTW, you look great, where are the wrinkles hiding? See you soon, love you,
You + 10 years
Awesome, Michelle! But I wouldn't expect anything less from you!
DeleteVery cool! I'll have to give my own some thought!!!!
ReplyDeleteMine would be-
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa,
Remember the day you went from Rhinestones and big stages to pony tails on your head and colic? When you thought you were doing it all wrong and every little thing you ate would make your baby turn out like an alien due to the breast milk she drank?
Even though you had performed on stages around the world that tiny baby made you feel like the most incompetent woman ever?
Well look at her go she's talented, driven, and all is right in her world. As for you, Lisa, you met a wonderful new girl friend who helped you launch your first book when you were ready to pull your hair out, created an amazing business, travel to Fiji in your G-5 in between missions where you bring books and food to children around the world. Your husband is thrilled because your marriage grows stronger each day and in between his fast cars you can hardly see that huge smile on his face.
Don't worry about anything because when you do Lisa, it never changes one thing anyway. Instead just laugh out loud and realize no matter the storm it will pass and God sends everything and everyone you need in front of your path even if they don't know He brought them there;)
Love yourself Lisa:)
Love Yourself
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing, my friend!
DeleteDear Jeannette -- remember that day in 2012 when you were thinking about how to develop a passive revenue stream? You kept putting off writing that e-book that was going to make you millions. Well, you wrote that ebook and over the next 10 years sales just keep increasing at a nice pace until now you are earning a nice monthly income. You just had to get off your butt and do it.
ReplyDeleteWhoo hoo! You will do it! You've said so. No turning back. Just get to the result!
DeleteIt's hard to write to my 20-something self from a 30-something perspective when I am now 65. So instead, I will write to my 20-something self from my current perspective:
ReplyDeleteDear Kay,
I know that life seems like shit, and you are not wrong about that. But you are strong. Stronger than you ever knew. You will make it out the other side of this, even when you don't want to. Take all of the love and pleasure from your son, Jeff, that you can because by the time you are 35 he will be dead. And you will live through that, too. And when the marriage is finally, truly over, take solace in the knowledge that you did the best you could and you can't do any more than that. Move on without regret. The greatest love is still ahead.
Finally, feel free to eat all the pie and cake and ice cream that you want without guilt, knowing that your metabolism will keep you thin no matter what. Eat and enjoy, because 35 years from now you won't be able to walk past a cookie without gaining 10 pounds. Bummer!
Love and aloha,
Kay in Hawaii
Thank you for sharing with us, Kay. It means a lot to me. We can all learn from one another. Have a beautiful day.
DeleteLove this! Definitely something we all need to try and do on a regular basis. I would definitely have to put some thought into mine first (my brain is a jumbled mess this morning lol). I too run into walls of my own self when it comes to writing or thinking about starting a book and getting it out there. Someday, hopefully, I'll have the time to get on with it and be able to write myself something like this as a reminder and motivator ;) Great job on your successes!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so inspiring and exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I appreciate your courage during a difficult time because it's given me more courage to keep going when things are hard. I'm following you back from Our Lovely Life and am so grateful for your sweet comments and to find new blogs that inspire me to be better. Much thanks and love!
ReplyDeleteThanks, April! Courage is inspiring and hopefully contagious! Thank you for visiting.
DeleteYour letter to yourself is inspiring. I hope it all turns out just like you wrote!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of writing a letter to yourself in the past, the things I thought were so awful, some of them have had great endings.
Thanks, OneMommy! I hope so too! I think it is so important to keep things in perspective and to remember that some good comes from every experience no matter how bad that experience may feel at the time. I appreciate your comment and your visit!
DeleteOh dear, at 40, I don'[t think I want to remember the hellish years of my twenties. I learned a lot...and it would be good for me to do, I'm just not sure I have the nerve!! All 5 of my kids were born in my twenties, though, so at least 5 awesome things came out of it... and my hubby, of course. Man. This is a deep post to read right before bed!
ReplyDeleteHope you had wonderful dreams!! Thank you for visiting.
DeletePerspective is everything! I often tell myself to focus on the good things by literally writing them down or listing them in my mind. It's way to easy to get caught up in the way we wish things were or imagined they were.
ReplyDelete