Dear 10 Years Ago Me
An exercise I love to do about every 10 years is a letter to my self 10 years ago. It really is an eye opening thing to do when you are looking back to see the events that shaped you. It can showcase growth or even lack thereof. Here’s mine from late 2022.
Dear Me in 2012:
Here I am 10 years out looking back and thinking about how much life has changed. Listen, you will struggle to find yourself and what your purpose here is, but here are some things I’d like to tell you as you navigate through:
You can’t always control everything in your life. And that is okay. During those times where you feel like your life is spiraling, that’s God’s call to trust Him. That’s a sign you need to hunker down in prayer.
Fancy titles don’t matter. It’s the job you do and the people you influence and inspire that matters. When you finally come to terms with this, you find more peace and purpose in your life. And, it feels really good.
You can’t be everything to everyone, but show up for the people who really need you when they need you. Find your niche. You are about to be faced with a string of major losses in your life. Next year you will lose Momma. You’ll come unanchored for a while. You will get through it. You will learn the importance of family and friends over these next ten years. Don’t take anyone’s kindness or friendship for granted. Always pay it forward.
Living through a pandemic is something you don’t see coming and will turn everything upside down. Although there was a lot of really, really heartbreaking things that happened during those few years, a lot of things changed and some for the better. It shifted the societal expectations of work to include a more flexible work/life dynamic. There’s still a lot of struggles with the work ethic of folks today, but those who choose to work hard and show up are rewarded. You will find that place that appreciates you, embraces your personal dreams, and encourages you to follow them. You will never want to leave.
All in all, life is really good here in 2022. The next 10 will be a roller coaster ride for you, but you learn so much along the way that you can share with others. You will have a message of hope and perseverance to encourage people through their own storms of life. Don’t beat yourself up for the path you chose to take to get where you are now. Everything was placed in your path for a reason. You learned some really good lessons. Hang in there and hunker down. You will get through it all.
Love,
Me 🤍
💭 What is something you’d go back and tell yourself 10 years ago?