Dear Future Me,

Happy New Year! I’m 46 today, and I know you already know all this but I want to send you some reminders.

You are probably nowhere near accomplishing all of those lofty goals you set for yourself. That’s ok. Be kind to yourself and remember to enjoy the journey whether you get to the destination or not.

It’s not yours and it’s ok to let it go. People are struggling all around you. Some are hurting, some are grieving, some battling something you know nothing about. It’s ok to feel for them, to grieve with them, to cry at the thought of their pain. But don’t get stuck there. Keep moving. It’s ok to let it go. You have your own lessons, your own struggles, your own pain to work through. It’s ok to let theirs go.

Don’t wait. Say or do it now. Tomorrow may never come. If it’s too late, don’t obsess. Take a deep breath and keep going.

Deeply flawed is the human condition, and change is the spice of life. Keep going.

Perhaps you already have all of this figured out. You are older and wiser. Perhaps you’re rolling your eyes. Perhaps you’re slightly embarrassed for 46 year old me. But remember I’m still learning. I’m still figuring it out. Be kind when you look back on me. Perhaps you’d like to give 46 year old me some advice, but we know that’s not possible. Write it out anyway. Pass it along. Someone somewhere needs to hear it.

Love, 46 year old me