Conversations with My Future Self

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Would you say that you think about the future a lot? I’ve always been a planner. When Ryan and I got married we put our heads together at drew ourselves out a five year plan, and we revisit it every year to remind ourselves what’s there, check in with what we’re accomplishing, or see what maybe isn’t so important to us any more. It’s morphed over the years, but it’s also helped us stay focused on a few key things that we’d like to build for our lives. Recently the gang at Clinique asked a few bloggers to #FaceForward and set some goals or give advice to their future selves, and I got so pumped at the prospect of examining what lies ahead. I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but in my heart of hearts I truly believe that living with goals and intentions makes life so much richer. So what the heck would I say to my future self?

Dear Me,

When you woke up this morning, did ya smile? I hope so, because these are the good old days. In fact, every day of your life so far has been a good old day. If there’s one thing you must know by now, it’s that there’s no point in waiting around for something better to happen, because you miss all of the beautiful things that are happening right this moment.

#FaceForward

How old is Henry? Five? Ten? Does he still have all limbs intact and does he eat his green beans? Yes? Then you’ve done a good job. Being a mom is hard — maybe the hardest thing you’ve ever done — but you’re doing it, every day. And just that is worth a high five. If I had to wager a guess, you’re still probably pretty hard on yourself about what kind of mom you are. But here are the answers: yes, you spend enough time with your son; yes, he’s developed into a great little kid; yes, you’re doing everything you can to make sure that he has a life full of possibility. Now relax and enjoy him. That’s your job today. Does Henry have siblings? Yes? No? Guess what — either way is fine. There’s nothing wrong with having an only child and there’s nothing wrong with having four babies, or anything in between.

Do you still know how lucky you are to have Ryan? He probably still leaves crumbs all over the counter, right? Let that one go. In fact, let all the little stuff go if you haven’t already. Today, look at the big stuff. Watch him toss Henry into the air and watch him mow the lawn and watch him hard at work to help provide for your family. Remember years and years ago when you were first married and everything seemed like it was at your fingertips? It was, and it still is. The world doesn’t change after years of marriage, but your perception of it does. Try to think back to what it was like to be young and crazy and capture that feeling every once in a while.

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And what about you? Are you still working? Maybe, maybe not — either way is great. But what’s important is that you’re doing something that you love, that inspires you, that you feel excited to wake up to every day. Don’t forget in all the mom stuff and wife stuff and life stuff that you need something that is yours. Go to the gym. Hang out with friends. Spend five minutes alone. The world and the people around you will be better for it.

You’re doing good things, girlfriend. Keep on keeping on.

xo
Me

I would truly love to know — if you could give some advice or set a goal for your future self, what would it be? Leave a comment if you like; I think it’s so wonderful to support each other’s goals and share thoughts. You can also share on social with #FaceForward and join the movement with other strong, smart, adventurous women like you! xoxo

#FaceForward

Photos by Scot Woodman

This post is sponsored by Clinique. All opinions are my very own. Thank you for being supportive of the partners who help keep Lovely Indeed rocking!

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10 Comments

  1. Beautifully written! I have to say, I think about the future all the time. I also think about the past, and how crazy it is that I am living the future I once thought about….woah! I would probably tell my future self to enjoy the little things, to never stop dancing, and to keep in mind all the beautiful things I saw growing up. Like cake, flowers, and the beach. That’s all I’ve got for now, thanks for the inspiration!

  2. I seriously love everything about your letter to your future self! I think if I were to give a few words of wisdom I would also remind myself to stay grounded in the present moment and not get caught up in all the worries our minds seem to concoct. I would also remind myself it’s never to late to try something new.

    1. I love all of that Ashley! I get the same way with worry taking me out of the moment. I think women tend to do that often. It’s such a great goal to stay present and enjoy every day!

  3. Wonderful writing! This had me thinking about how I might give myself a conversation with my future self. And not just any future self, but the best future self I can possibly imagine.

    1. That’s awesome, Dawn! I found it a really cool exercise — it really makes you think about how you want your life to be, which is sometimes a tough thing to do.

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  5. This is a very correct approach, it is very important to talk with yourself, analyze your state, think over dreams and goals towards which you plan to move. It is very important to hear and understand yourself. Spiritual retreat Mallorca by Katja Verbeek helped me a lot with this. It was a very important transformation of my spiritual life.