/

/
.





































.
.





























.

Farewell: A Letter To The Old Me






This Friday, November 12th, is 'To Write Love On Her Arms' day around the world. I'm not sure if you know about this day, but it is incredibly important to me. It is a day to spread awareness about a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, and inspire. On this day, people all across the country and all around the world write or draw the word LOVE on their arms to remind anyone who is hurting, that there is a way out. That way is Love.
You can read about my journey to find it, here.
On this day, I do a lot of reflecting. I think about the blessing of becoming Brand New. And I wonder how different things would have been if I had the ability to write a letter, a letter to the old me, knowing now what I wish I had known then. I know I could have kept myself from a lot of mistakes, a few heartbreaks, and some incredibly difficult moments. I probably would have let myself in on the things that really matter in life, and on the things that really don't matter at all. And I know that it all shapes who we are, and what we become. I get that. But it is still fun to wonder ... what if I could have written that letter?
I'm thinking it would sound something like this....

Dear _______,
One day you will look back, as I am now, and wonder where the time went. Apparently it didn't stop for us. Imagine that. So here are some things you need to do. Hug your grandfather. Every chance you get. Focus more on your school work. And don't blame me, missy, when you can't speak a lick of Spanish. Surprise. Yes, even after 7 years of it. No comprende. Study. Study. Study. Choose your friends wisely. And from where I'm standing now, looks like you'll be pretty good at that. Show them your heart. Always tell them exactly how you feel. Some will love you for it. Those are the ones that matter. Be there for them. When they need you. Not just when you need them. I know you're not going to believe me, but you'll learn to trust people again. It's a great feeling. Look forward to that. In the meantime, expect to lose a lot of important people in your life because of your baggage. The ones that really love you though, they'll forgive you. And you will come to a phase of pride, doubt, and selfishness. But don't worry. At least you will be able to acknowledge it. As hard as it may seem, you're a lot better off than those that deny they ever came to that point. That will only make us stronger. In your weaknesses ... turn to God. Better yet, in everything.

Get ready for some hard times. I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. I can't tell you where you went wrong, because even the things that didn't go as planned still turned out the way they were supposed to. So don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. If you learn from your mistakes, then they were never mistakes to begin with. They were lessons. I know you are going to agonize over them and over analyze them, because let's face it, that is what you and I do. But here are 3 words that I will not be able to repeat enough to you throughout this letter. Let it go. Don't worry so much about what they think of you. Find you. Be you. And be happy with that. Envy is the mother of gossip, remember that. You can't please everyone, so stop trying. No really, ... stop trying. Forgiveness will be one of the greatest things you can experience. Apologize. Even when they don't. You are doing it for you, not for them. Don't hold grudges. The only person that a grudge ends up hurting is you. Besides, life is too short. One day you'll blink and you will be here, where I am.

Love? Oh brother. You are a mess when it comes to love. Yes, I said a mess. Fall in love when you're ready. Not when you're lonely. I'm not going to tell you that you will never experience a little piece of your heart breaking. But how boring would life be, if you didn't, right? I know it sounds crazy, but trust me on this one. Remember that guy that you are searching for that everyone keeps telling you doesn't exist? Well, he does. I don't want to spoil that part for you, but let's just say ... he's far more amazing than you expected. Take more time to be with your family. The closer you get to me, the more you realize what a blessing they are. Be kind to people. Be generous. You are going to meet a lot of amazing people on your way here. People that will change you in ways you never expected. You won't understand this now, but those people are called Relayers.

And don't become complacent. Mediocre was never what we wanted. Keep passion in everything you do. Stop worrying about what the world needs. Find what makes you come alive and do it. Because what the world needs, is people who have come alive.

See you when you get here, it's a fun ride.

ME.

Share Pin It!

3 comments :

  1. Your heart is so deeply lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That was beautifully written. Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, Sister.....I keep telling you and I am not sure you believe me. You are so inspiring and you touch my heart. Beautiful. Love reading your blogs. Wish I had that talent. Love you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I'd love to hear your thoughts!