So six months ago, I spoke at Real Life Conferance at Canmore, AB. I wrote about it at tea&bannock, but one of the exercises at that time was to write a letter to yourself. A list of things you hope to accomplish. A greeting. And include four phone numbers of people you have to check in with that you know from the conference – to keep you accountable.
If you know me in real life, ha, you know being social isn’t exactly my strong point.
So this letter came today, and I had completely forgot all about it. I legit looked at the handwriting and was shooketh at how much that handwriting on the envelope looked like mine.
So I opened it up and read this little letter to myself. And of course, I had completely disregarded the rules and just wrote a gentle letter to myself of basic truths.
I hope you’re happy.
I hope you rest more.
I hope you laugh with your daughter, loudly.
I hope you enjoy the little things.
This got me thinking. I’ve been thinking about happiness a lot. I look at my life – and as stressful and chaotic as it gets – I’m in pursuit of my dreams, both academically and artistically. I write. I photograph. I learn. I wake up happy, everyday.
I know what a gift that is.
Ten years ago, I was finishing up my first year at UBC in the Creative Writing program. I was planning a wedding. I was worrying about money. I was writing a novel. I was missing home. I was a lot more naive and hopeful. But still, I was happy. I didn’t know the heartaches to come, but still. Knowing now, I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t go back and ‘change my life‘ at key intervals because of the stories and experiences gifted, the self realizations, the opportunities given to better myself.
And I see what a gift that is.
So this is me, loving myself ten years ago, and being gentle on her. She has so much dramaaaaa coming, but we overcome.
And to myself ten years down the road, I say this.
I hope you’re happy.
I hope you rest more.
I hope you laugh with your daughter, loudly.
I hope you enjoy the little things.
