A little over three months back, I took a two-day Reflections course (I know I’ve blogged a bit about it). At the end of the class, we were each tasked with writing a letter to ourselves, addressing the envelope, and handing it over to our instructors. The instructors committed to mailing the letter back to us in three months’ time.
As you might imagine, hot off the newfound perspective (and emotional highs and lows) from such an experience, I incorporated some lofty goals into my letter. It was a challenge to myself to “beat the mail,” so-to-speak. Goals written. Letter coming in late July. Better make it happen.
Well, here it is early August; I knew the letter was in my mailbox, but I also knew I hadn’t accomplished all the goals I set out for myself. My answer to this was simple – ignore the mail. But yesterday I met with a dear friend of mine who took the class with me. He was talking about his letter and was energized by all that he was doing to make a change in his life. No, he hadn’t accomplished everything either. But what an impressive start.
This inspired me to go home and open the mail. I read my letter to myself, waiting for the waves of guilt and self-loathing I’d feel at not meeting my goals. Instead, I found inspiration in the words. I was pleased to see I’ve taken more strides than I’d realized towards accomplishing my goals. I also read words back to myself that I don’t recall writing.
I trust by now you’ve found a better way to organize your priorities and your time, but to forgive yourself when things don’t work out as planned (no one is perfect).
I’d underlined the word forgive. Clearly it was important to let future-me know to loosen up and accept the things I cannot change. I got to the end of the letter and felt nothing but inspiration and new hope.
May you love and appreciate this version of yourself – the one that projects your best self – someone who lives in the moment, has learned to be present and not stress about the things that cannot be changed. Love you for you. Be thankful and joyful in what you have.
Old me was pretty nice to future me. Old me realized just what future me would need to read, even if I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to the letter. So my message to everyone is the same as the one to myself. Set goals. But live in the moment and forgive yourself if you don’t accomplish those goals. Reset. Adjust. Move forward. Find happiness in the small things and the things that enrich your lives.
That is all. Have a wonderful day. I know I plan to.