As part of my healing, moving toward the life I want, and a Facebook challenge that I came across I am writing a letter to myself one year into the future. I have done this before in my yoga teacher training. One year from where I was when I wrote my last letter, is certainly not where I thought I would be today. I am in a better spot. It is really interesting how life works. It is really interesting what you can learn in spaces of pain and heartache. It is really interesting to challenge the mind, ask it to quiet and simply just be in a space you once thought would be forever dark. I challenge you to do the same if you are reading this. Can you write yourself a letter one year into the future?
Dear Carol,
Enjoy the smallest things in life. There will be times, you will want those things and not be able to have them. For example today you are sitting on the deck writing this letter. Robin is running around chasing bees and garter snakes. There will be a time, you will wish for a day like this. Do not let school dictate your mood, actions, thoughts, or beliefs. You are a great teacher. Your students love you and know you stick up for them when they need it. They know they can count on you. That is all that matters. What your colleagues think about you or don’t think about you does not matter. Move forward for your students. God will tell you when you have reached the point where it is time to step away. Love openly. Do not let this world harden your heart, take away your joy, question your intentions or make you feel “less than” or “unworthy”. Your mind will play tricks on you to see if you believe the chatter it creates. Do not buy into it. Good people stand by you, no matter what. You will not have to chase or beg anyone to stay. Love those people openly and freely.
Continue to give a shit about your health and wellness. Your health matters and is a top priority for you. Walking Robin should be fun and not a chore. She is yours for at least the next ten years. Make every second with her count. She loves being outside as much as you do. Continue to make good food choices. Yes, it is fun to splurge and indulge…see the part about enjoying the small things…but also stay consistent with colorful, fresh meals and your workouts. Every little bit of fitness adds up and you don’t have to run a marathon every day to get the benefits. Continue to cry when you need to, laugh every day, and read something thought provoking each day. Feel what you need to, do not dwell on any one feeling as they will come and go, and let things go…see enjoy the small things.
Continue to make time to visit family and enjoy each second you are with them. Yes, the distance is a pain. Yes, taking time off is sometimes required. Yes, having your intentions misunderstood is a pain. However, one day you may not be able to travel to see everyone. One day, there will be no one to travel to visit….see enjoy the small things.
Love with your whole heart. Laugh with your whole soul. Enjoy the rest of your life and make the best of every situation. Continue to thank people for all they have taught you. You have some wild stories from 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Enjoy those memories and prepare your heart to make many more.
Love always,
Carol
*I am extremely grateful to have a job where I am given sick time that I can use as I need it. I am extremely grateful for my work ethic that awarded me many extra sick days for perfect attendance. I have my parents to thank for instilling the value of hard work into my life. I realize not everyone has the luxury of days off when they want to take them. Thank you for reading this and perhaps contemplating where you see yourself one year from now.
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